HMS Pinafore

by Gilbert and Sullivan

Presented June 1992 at Paris Hill Academy

Sponsored by Norway Savings Bank.

Directed by Alison Whitney.

Music director: Dan Allen.

The story takes place aboard the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore. The captain's daughter, Josephine, is in love with a lower-class sailor, Ralph Rackstraw, although her father intends her to marry Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Josephine abides by her father's wishes at first, but Sir Joseph's advocacy of the equality of humankind encourages Ralph and Josephine to overturn conventional social order. They declare their love for each other and eventually plan to elope. The captain discovers this plan, but, as in many of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, a surprise disclosure changes things dramatically near the end of the story. [wikipedia]

Comments and notes

We produced this show because it was royalty-free, and thus pretty much all we could afford to do. Directed by Alison Whitney and music-directed by OHMPAA co-founder Dan Allen. The sets built out of refrigerator boxes from Western Auto in Norway. Memorable moment: June Sawicki singing "Little Buttercup." Damme!! Great show! - Jeff O.

That was a great show. Alison, Hope and I spent a very warm afternoon making hats out of bleach and vinegar bottles. Dresses were constructed from curtains, bed sheets, drapes and repurposed prom dresses. The sailor shirts were up-cycled hospital sheets and the pants came from Norway Laundry. We did rent the Admiral's hat though. What fun! - Lori M. HMS Pinafore staff

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