The first show mounted by the Company, in 1960, The Gondoliers takes place in 19th-century Venice, where two handsome and charming would-be Kings – both gondoliers – vie for the disputed throne of Barataria.  The comic opera was Gilbert & Sullivan’s last great success, opening in 1889 and continuing for 554 performances—at that time the fifth longest running piece of musical theatre in history.

Stage director Thrisa Hodits returns to the Company for her sixth engagement, joined by conductor Timothy Semanik, Director of the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra.  The talented cast includes some of the Company’s favorites from past productions as well as several outstanding newcomers.  Nancy Levner is producer, with associate producers Trip Driscoll and Cal Audrain.

The production also marks the fiftieth annual stage appearance of Bob Green, who first appeared as a member of the chorus in 1963 in Ruddigore. During those years, when not singing in the chorus, Bob Green sang a number of principal roles and also served as president of the Company.

Performances take place at Mandel Hall, 1131 East 57th Street, from March 9th through the 11th. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Ticket order forms can be downloaded at music.uchicago.edu.  Beginning March 1, tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket hotline, 773.702.9075, 12 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Patron tickets are $50; general admission tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students and children under age 12. Mandel Hall is located at the southwest corner of University Avenue and 57th Street in Hyde Park on the University of Chicago campus.

The Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company, Inc. is a non-profit, community arts organization dedicated to performing the works of Gilbert & Sullivan to the highest artistic standards. It has been a mainstay of Chicago’s Hyde Park cultural scene since it was founded in 1964 by three local G&S fans:  Nancy Lorie, Bob Ashenhurst and Roland Bailey. GSOC is supported by member donations, ticket sales and local grants.

The University Chamber Orchestra is a 30-member ensemble of strings, woodwinds, and horns that specializes in Baroque, Classical, and 20th-century repertoire for smaller orchestra. The ensemble serves as the pit orchestra for the Department’s annual collaboration with the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company.

2012 marks the 28th consecutive year the proceeds from the annual production will benefit the Department of Music’s flourishing performance program, whose fifteen ensembles and programs present more than a hundred varied concerts each year.