A Comic Opera in One Act
Music by ARTHUR SULLIVAN
Libretto by F.C.BURNAND
Presented as a double-bill with HMS Pinafore
This frivolous yet charming tale, full of musical humour and sparkling tunes is a cheerful romp. Before Sullivan met Gilbert he composed a delicious one act farce, Cox & Box with humorist F.C. Burnand.
First performed privately in a men’s club, its popularity climbed and was the only work, not written by both Gilbert & Sullivan to be continually performed by the fabled D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, through its long history.
Sergeant Bouncer is renting a room to Mr Box, a printer who works at night, and to Mr Cox, a hatter who works by day. Neither know of each other’s existence, until one day Mr Cox is awarded a holiday. Returning home Mr Cox is horrified to find Mr Box asleep in his bed! Much hilarity follows as Sergeant Bouncer tries to sort out the mess. Sullivan provides a preview to the masterpieces he would later write with Gilbert. This is a gem of a mini-opera, and will bring much amusement and delight in this new production.
“It’s the wellspring of Gilbert and Sullivan’s musical style and has some terrific tunes. Burnand’s book and lyrics are crafted to perfection” - The Stage 2014
Presented as a double-bill “Cox & Box” and “HMS Pinafore”.
HMS Pinafore with Cox & Box
Direction by Daniel Sinfield
Musical Direction by Joshua Geddes
Choreographer Lauren Lee Innis-Youren
Kapellmeister Timothy Wilson
Designer and Production Manager Dave Angelico
4th - 6th October 2019
With the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria Orchestra
4 Performances:
Friday 4th October 8:00pm
Saturday 5th October 2:00pm
Saturday 5th October 8:00pm
Sunday 6th October 2:00pm
Total running time approximately 2hrs 30mins (with 2 Intermissions)
Darebin Arts Centre
Cnr Bell Street & St. Georges Road,
Preston VIC 3072
Box Office: (03) 8470 8280
Ticket prices:
Early Bird prices extended to midnight September 8th!
Adult: $45 (Early Bird $41)
Concession: $39 (Early Bird $35)
Student: $32 (Early Bird $28)
Child (Under 16): $25 (Early Bird $21)
Family of 3 (Max 1 Adult): $85 (Early Bird $75)
Family of 4 (Max 2 Adults):$126 (Early Bird $112)
Group 10+: $37
Under two years: free (must be seated on a ticket holders lap)
Enquiries: 0490 465 009
Principals - Cox and Box:
Cox - James Emerson
Box - Paul Tooby
Bouncer - Phil Elphinstone