Gilbert & Sullivan: Art Form, Innovation, Legacy

“Gilbert & Sullivan: Art Form, Innovation, Legacy”: A talk by David Wannen, Executive Director of New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, with Prof. Anthony Cummings, Department of Music.

Why have the works of dramatist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan endured for 150 years? David Wannen will discuss the history, biographies, the unique form and objectives, and the timeless qualities of the comic operettas that have made them classics of the modern stage. The illustrated talk includes Wannen’s personal and professional experience with Gilbert and Sullivan, the October 30 production of H.M.S. Pinafore at the Williams Center for the Arts, and a Q&A moderated by Professor Anthony Cummings (Music).

David Wannen, Executive Director and bass vocalist with New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (NYGASP), is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and holds a post -baccalaureate in business from Columbia University. As a performer, his favorite roles include The Pirate King (Pirates of Penzance), Wilfred Shadbolt (Yeomen of the Guard), Colonel Calverley (Patience), Paramount (Utopia), Pvt. Willis (Iolanthe), Sultan (Rose of Persia), Arac (Princess Ida), Bill Bobstay (H.M.S. Pinafore) and the title role in The Mikado; and he has toured nationally in Broadway productions of Beauty and the Beast and Camelot. Mr. Wannen is producer of the new, critically acclaimed production of The Mikado, and co-producer of I’ve Got a Little Twist, NYGASP’s original cabaret show.

New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players are the 2021/22 Alan and Wendy Pesky Artists in Residence at Lafayette College. Established in 1986, the Pesky endowment has brought notable musicians to perform and teach in residency at Lafayette College. Now celebrating its forty-sixth year, NYGASP is America’s preeminent professional Gilbert and Sullivan repertory company. In Spring 2022, NYGASP will teach Music 272/372: “Experiencing Opera: Gilbert and Sullivan,” an introduction to the comic operas of W.S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. 

This talk accompanies the Saturday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. performance of H.M.S. Pinafore, or the Lass that loved a Sailor by NYGASP at the Williams Center for the Arts.  For information and to purchase tickets go HERE.

Takeaway lunch will be provided while supplies last.