The Springfield Free Public Library will present a concert performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s late

masterpiece, The Gondoliers, at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 4, to be performed by the Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company. Set in Venice, The Gondoliers, like the majority of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operettas, offers a story based on the themes of young love, mistaken identity, and class distinctions.

The sly wit found in the political commentary of Sir Gilbert’s lyrics will still come across as surprisingly relevant to today’s audiences.

Those unfamiliar with Gilbert & Sullivan’s work but who are fans of musical theater will be amply rewarded by their attendance at this performance. G&S operettas are known for their singable melodies and clever lyrics, offering moments of emotional beauty within a larger context of silliness
and fun. With all song lyrics and spoken dialog performed as written in English, the word “opera” in
the performing company’s name should not be used as an excuse to keep anyone away. Although
a “concert performance” means that the work is being performed without costumes or scenery, the
lack of these visuals in no way impedes the enjoyment of the story that is being told with music and
words. In fact, Gilbert & Sullivan is a great way to introduce older children to the joys of serious musical performance. The Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company has been delighting audiences since its founding in 1937. As one of the oldest continuing musical theater groups in the United States, the group prides itself on the inclusion in its repertoire of works by Gilbert & Sullivan such as The Gondoliers that are less often performed elsewhere. Recent productions by RG&SOC have resulted in awards from the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Gettysburg PA for best musical director (James A. Biddlecome) and best female performer (Kerstin Anna Stewart as Julia) in 2010 for The Grand Duke and best character actress (Kerstin Anna Stewart as Buttercup) in 2011 for HMS Pinafore. This performance is free and open to all members of the general public and will be held in the library’s Donald B. Palmer Museum. Seating is limited so arriving early is recommended, with doors to the Museum opening at 1:30 PM. Funding for this performance has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

The Springfield Free Public Library is located at 66 Mountain Avenue. More information about the library can be found at www.springfieldpubliclibrary.com or by visiting the library on Facebook.
More information about the Ridgewood Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company can be found at
www.gilvertandsullivanridgewood.com.