The story goes thus:  A musician friend lent me some audio CDs from his serious music collection, so I would have something to play in my new CD player, circa 1994.  The CDs included "Iolanthe" and "Patience".  When the overture for Iolanthe began playing, I was both dumbfounded and transfixed.  What was this music I had never experienced?!   From then until now I have been a "nut" about G&S.

 

I have studied the duo extensively, purchased full scores, collectable artwork and song books, acquired movies and audio of their operas.  But my mania about G&S didn't stop there.  I traveled to Philadelphia to attend the week-long 2nd Annual International G&S Festival.  I've visited G&S spots of interest in London.  I've performed in Chicago-area amateur performances, and have done costuming.  I have even taught night school classes in G&S history.

 

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Victorian England comic opera.  Charming, exciting music.  Sophisticated dialog, lyrics.  Passionate lead and chorus performers.  Clever social commentary.  Costumes, orchestra, lights, action!  These and more blend together to bring completely decent, family entertainment to the community.

 

All under the umbrella called "G&S".  Two talented - yet very different - gentlemen who gave over 20 years of their lives in collaboration to create an art form that survives to the present day.

 

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William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan created comic operas that are still produced by dedicated troupes throughout the world, frequently on an annual basis.  Even if one does not consider one's self an actor, singer, there are myriad ways to be involved in G&S productions.  Troupes who annually stage these operas can become family, with those involved staying in contact even after the show closes.

 

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Those whose interest is piqued in the wonderful world of G&S are encouraged to visit http://math.boisestate.edu/GaS/ for a gold mine of information and further resources!