Yes, the “Summer Show” is upon us again! We do a concert version of a G&S hit with the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. This year we are doing HMS Pinafore.

The show must finish in 1 hr. 40 min., including T-shirt sales. That means the show will be cut — mercilessly, randomly.

The chorus does not audition. It is open to anyonewho has actually sung, as chorus or principal, in a spring production. The chorus is also open to anyone else who can sing, up to a limit. Please, check with me, Waldyn, before inviting someone. The chorus stands on risers and sings vaguely into microphones, holding scores.

Principals must audition and the auditions are limited to those who have sung with us before. Principals wander about at music stands in the front of the stage following cryptic rubrics I leave in hacked up scores.

It is a truly field-condition environment.  Jets coast overhead toward landing in the airport. Stunned teenagers wander by, asking what happened to the metallica concert. And it’s hot. On the positive side, Jere Lantz is great conductor, and the Minneapolis Pops is a wonderful orchestra. And you get to do an outdoor performance to a huge, appreciative, non-paying, audience. We start and finish inone month’s time with six rehearsals. It’s great. Ask the vets.

Signing up for chorus:

I really want to know if you would like to sing in the chorus of the summer show.  I also want to know if you will be inviting someone who has not sung in the spring show. Email me: waldyn.benbenek@unisys.com.

Chorus rehearsals:

at Lake Harriet United Methodist (4901 Chowen Avenue South in Minneapolis ).

By ourselves to learn notes:

Mondays June 18, 25, 7:30   and  Thursdays June 21,  28,7:30 

With Jere:

Monday July 9, 7:30,  Thursday July 12, 7:30 at Lake Harriet United Methodist.

Dress rehearsal Saturday July 14, 9:30 AM, at the Music Hall of Augsburg College, 2200 S 7 1/2 St., Minneapolis (Corner for 22nd Ave. and 7 1/2 St.)

View Map to Augsburg

Performance:

Saturday, July 14, 7:30, Sunday July 15, 5:30

Principal auditions:

You do not need to make and appointment.  However, it’s nice to know who’s coming.  Sing something that shows off your voice.  There is no dialog reading at these auditions.  There are not callbacks.  Don’t practice moving a lot.  Pretend you are singing on the radio with a live audience.

Sunday May 6, Lake Harriet United Methodist 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.

Here are the principal roles:

Principal rehearsals:

By ourselves to get used to the books, the music stands, and living for microphones, at Lake Harrient Methodist:

Tuesday June 19 , Tuesday June 26, 7:30

With Jere:

Tuesday July 10, Thursday July 12, 7:30

Saturday Morning July 14  9:30 AM,at the Music Hall of Augsburg College, 2200 S 7 1/2 St., Minneapolis (Corner for 22nd Ave. and 7 1/2 St.)

View Map to Augburg

Performance:

Performance:  Lake Harriet Band Shell and Snack Bar

Saturday July 14, 7:30 pm, Sunday July 15, 5:30, call is 30 minutes before each show (7:00 Saturday, 5:00 Sunday).  I will ask for volunteers to help set up 1 hour before each show.

Contact me (Waldyn Benbenek):

612-384-9823 (c), 651-635-7652(W), 612-377-7909(H), waldyn.benbenek@unisys.com