The Summer Show 2019 — H.M.S. Pinafore

H.M.S. Pinafore at Lake Harriet Bandshell — July 13 and 14 2019

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 H.M.S. Pinafore.

The show must finish in 1 hr. 30 min., including T-shirt sales. That means the show will be cut — mercilessly, randomly.

The chorus does not audition. It is open to anyone who 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.

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. This year they can buy wine and beer in the park. 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 in one month’s time with six rehearsals. It’s great. Ask the vets.

The date for principal auditions for the summer show is May 12 at Lake Harriet Methodist Church.

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: waldynb@gmail.com.

Chorus rehearsals:

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

By ourselves to learn notes:

Mondays June 17, 24 @ 7:30   and  Thursdays June 20, 27 7:30 

With Jere:

Monday July 8, 7:30,  Thursday July 11, 7:30 at Lake Harriet United Methodist.

Dress rehearsal Saturday July 13, 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 13, 7:30, Sunday July 14, 5:30

Principals

We will hold auditions for principals on May 12 from 5-7 at Lake Harriet Methodist Church in the reception room.  We limit principals to those who have sung in a spring show as chorus or principal.

Here are the principal parts.

Josephine Soprano
Hebe Soprano, Mezz. Sop.
Buttercup Alto
Ralph Tenor
Boatswain’s Mate           Male singer (all ranges have sung it)
Captain Baritone
Sir Joseph Porter Funny Singer (range negotiable)
Dick Deadeye Base -baritone
Carpenter’s Mate Bass

 

Principal rehearsals:

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

Tuesday June 18, Tuesday June 25, 7:30

With Jere:

Tuesday July 9, Thursday July 11, 7:30

Saturday Morning July 13  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:

Performance:  Lake Harriet Band Shell and Snack Bar

Saturday July 13, 7:30 pm, Sunday July 14, 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