Pickering College - Voyageur Yearbook (Newmarket, Ontario Canada)

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the glee club lI..ll.S. PINJFURE H,M.S. Pixixromz, like all Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, is a humorous satire on the lite and manners olf the Victorian days. While these have now passed away the lilting' and catchy tunes of Hilbert and Sullivan are still hummed and enjoyed by countless persons. This is especially true of Pinafore, undoubtedly one of their most popular works. Thus a Hilbert and Sullivan musical must be performed in a sprightly and lively manner with a feeling' of fun and good humour. It is to be enjoyed by both the players and the audience. The singers must convey and pro- tluce this sense of happiness in their audience. This atmosphere of gaiety was established from the very first chorus Wife sail the ocean blue , and lasted until the finale of act two. XVe were carried quickly and entertainingly tlirouggh the tortuous romantic troubles of Josephine and Ralph Raekstraw, caused unknowingly by her ambitious father and the pompous Porter, until the complications are resolved by Buttercup's disclosure of her baby farming mistake and then all are happy for everniore. Love hasn't levelled all ranks but it has sorted them out. The principal roles were all handled in an expert manner. It would be impos- sible to choose any one or two for special laurels. However, mention must be made , r

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One other inain character calls for attention. This is Maeduff, the loyal tol- lower of Duncan who posed as a threat to Macbetlfs ill gotten gains. Maeiliititus horror and grief at the news of his tamily's death took us to the depths ot' despair and unhappiness bolstered by the desire for reyengxe. Dare liver played this part with skill and great feeling, presenting' a fearless tighter, a sori-owing father and il noble patriot. XVhat about the witches, played by Jlr. Dzylzy Peers, Bob Hoflflen and Dare King. All one can say is wonderful, fascinating, weird. Then there was gentle, regal Duncan, played by Addie I3Iatnlfcstij11,' trusting, bewildered Banquo, tTonif .1Ilenj,' loyal Malcolm, tScott illcNciIllg and Donalbain, tlfoger Veulel, who lied in fear of the bloody tyrant. Later Malcolm returns at the head ot' an army, defeats his fathers murderer and claims the throne. All were played with skill and enthusiasm. One must inention the touching scene between Lady Macdufif and her son. Here the two actors showed a naturalness and tenderness, a real theatrical touch. Finally, one must thank the stage crew for a magnificent piece oi technical production. The scenery designed by Jlr. Jewell, was simple but grand, creating the perfect brooding atmosphere for the foul deeds. The ligliting' was effective and colourful with the proper contrasts between the bright and gloomy scenes. Certainly they achieved their high point in the scene with the three witches, the three apparitions and Macbeth. They triumphed nobly, boiling- pot and all. Our sincere congratulations to Jlr. Guy .lrnold for a splendid job, a ihrilling evening. nzasxlxsz. ':s.g:m..a4 xx 1 aw .wt 1 ,- ..1,: ,'-ma.: Mfrs . , , qw.: , ff ... , . vvuzwww' Q-rw-.. ,.,.. ww. w' Aww... v- 'r .sm ,xv

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of the exeellent portrayal ot Josephine by Olive I1'mil.'1'ne. Her duet with Ralph, Refrain, audacious tar, was a memorable moment in the operetta. Here we had a sginpathetie appreeiation ot Josephine's unhappy plight. Digby l're1 s veijv fine tenor voice brought out the best in the role of the love siek foretop hand, Ralph Raekstraw, the pride of the Royal Navy, the eternally wonderful il4lI'1,Q'llSllIH2lI1. Onee again we were treated to the lovely soprano voiee ot f'arnl flrnlima. It was a pleasure to hear her sing' Poor Little Buttercup. Scott fllf-Neill did justiee to the role of the stern, ambitious Capt. Corcoran. His rendition of Fair moon, to thee I sing . was perhaps the best solo peitormanee of the entire show. In all Hilbert and Sullivan produetions there is one eharaeter, halt' eomie, halt serious. This is a difheult role to play and yet Peter Puri'is gave a splendid rendition ot' this super- eilious ereature with his eoneeited attitude and pompous manners who in the end is levelled to his proper station. Who eould have been more arrogant than I'uri'is? Dare Beer was wonderful as the detested, det'ormed little seaman, Diek Deadeye, who is the personifieation of evil itself. IMi'f .s anties and movements were a true picture of the little monster. Finally there was the chorus. XVhile they did their job adequately one did desire more spirit and animation from them. The lighting, the sets, the costumes were all wonderfully adapted to a good Hilbert and Sullivan production. Twen ty-se Lien