HMS Pinafore with Cox and Box

A delightful Double Bill.

Cox and Box – A Comic Opera in One Act – Music by ARTHUR SULLIVAN Libretto by F.C.BURNAND

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

 

HMS Pinafore – An Original Nautical Opera in 2 Acts – Music by ARTHUR SULLIVAN Libretto by W.S.GILBERT

Delight in this timeless classic – Gilbert’s raucous satire on rank and privilege, set to some of the saltiest, jauntiest and joyful nautical music ever written, by Arthur Sullivan.

H.M.S Pinafore was Gilbert & Sullivan’s first international success. It has sailed the musical seas since 1878, and has never, no never, and not even hardly ever fallen from popularity. The Captain’s daughter Josephine, is in love with the common sailor, Ralph Rackstraw. However, her father plans to marry her off to the unbearable but wealthy First Sea Lord, Sir Joseph Porter. After some hilarious plot twists, the lovers win through in the end. This comic opera is an ideal introduction to children, and young persons, of the joys of classical musical theatre.

Matinee Fun!
Activities for kids from 1.15pm and at the intervals.
Colouring competition, prize for best dressed girl or boy sailor and more!

 

Reviewed: by StageWhispers at this link.

Cast – Cox and Box:

Cox – James Emerson
Box – Paul Tooby
Bouncer – Phil Elphinstone

 

Cast – HMS Pinafore:

Captain Corcoran – Paul Tooby
Ralph Rackstraw – Nick Xiao
Josephine – Ella Broome
Buttercup – Nadia Migliardi
Sir Joseph Porter – Phil Elphinstone
Hebe – Julia Allsop
Boatswain – James Douglas
Carpenter – James Emerson
Dick Deadeye – Ben Klein

Chorus:
Kevin Yap, Jamie Tampion, Clint Smith, Derek Butler, David Bradaska, Annette Dick, Emma Suttcliff, Robyn Hannan, Anna Castle, Lydia Klimek, Sarah Berry

 

“Pinafore was the comic opera duo’s first international hit, and remains one of the most popular of the entire series. Nearly 140 years after its 1878 premiere, Gilbert’s absurdist satire on the English class system feel as pertinent as ever. Sullivan’s score is an equally classy piece of work.” – The Stage 2016

“With numbers ranging from jolly music-hall songs, to stirring choruses, to duets, trios, madrigals and outright romantic arias Gilbert and Sullivan are magically able to simultaneously mock and sweetly embrace grand opera, melodrama, the class structure, the Royal Navy, and patriotism-as well as the very idea of being English.”

4th – 6th October 2019

Click Here to Book Tickets for “Cox and Box / HMS Pinafore” at Darebin Arts Centre Box Office

 

HMS Pinafore with Cox & Box
Direction by Daniel Sinfield
Musical Direction by Joshua Geddes.
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

Tickets

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

Tickets can be purchased as part of a Subscription Package, and also from the Box Office.