Opera meets Bollywood - The Sorcerer - Gilbert & Sullivan

[verdew8181]

I guess I just love the music regardless of the fact that the costumes clash with it.

[JadyLester]

This put a big ol' smile on my face. I never would've thought two of my favorite things would meet like this!

[EVITANDY]

why bother?

[hummusfruit]

I think a lot of these comments are unfair. It is nice to see new interpretations of G&S that are consistent and that embody the original values of the show. Moreover, this recording was made at a rehearsal. I'm sure the production was enjoyed by many who attended it.

[BetterthanyouIknow]

In a word...bad.

[TheSusru]

This might have been fun at the Dickens Fair in SF.

[urbild]

Sorry, it doesn't work.

[singspieler]

Singing is not at all together. Chorus voices should sound as one. No matter what device was used this, and the poor tuning were obviously there.

[beandoll]

A production of The Sorcerer that I'm in right now almost went with an odd reinterpretation for the sake of our non-existent budget, but your show looked like it wasn't a very cheap route to take, so I'm curious as to why it would be taken in the direction that was chosen. Was it because of someone's random whim of fancy or was it perhaps born of necessity because of specialized talents and limited resources or something of the sort?

[beandoll]

I'm sorry. I don't want to demean the dedication and hard work of the cast, because it's obvious that they all had to have busted their butts to do what they did, but this performance, to me, was really unpleasant and not enjoyable for the most part.

[Richiesutherland]

Save us from "reinterpreters"! It's not (just) that dancing, singing, etc. are amateurish. The question is, what could possibly be added to Sorcerer by setting it either in India or in a Bollywood Studio? It's not "daring and new" versus "traditional and staid". It is NOT imaginative JUST to stick ANY show, G&S or not, into a different period, ethos, etc, just for a new look at it. It would be like setting My Fair Lady in China. Why bother?

[gpwebber]

Thanks for all your comments. Note that this clip was taken with a very basic pocket-sized camera without a tripod or any stage mics, at a rehearsal. We have a professional video of the show itself, available from Stanford Savoyards - contact us through our website if you would like a copy. Thanks!

[Mungojerriestar]

I think it is a good production, and I know what I'm talking about. Whats gone wrong is the video picking up the sound.

[redhotpinktwink]

On-stage performers were excellent, I was especially impressed with the projection and tone. Unfortunately, the mediocre quality of the orchestra, small stage and overall awkwardness of the production made it painful to watch ... Breathing new life into old works is always fun, but very difficult. I applaud you and hope your next production is a better representation of your hard work.

[cakemagic]

This is so awesome! Such a great idea, and (who would think) it actually works, too.

Haters are just stale thinkers.

[tarnishdhalo]

I am something of a traditionalist, but I can still appreciate the merit of any production. Just one problem...this production has no merit of which TO SPEAK. Sirs Gilbert & Sullivan must be rolling in their graves.

[creamofcardstv]

I like your video clip and have rated it as awesome. Please check out mine on some old trading cards of famous people: Gilbert and Sullivan, Lord Baden-Powell of the scout movement, Winston Churchill, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, Yuri Gagarin, Walt Disney....

[marylandmezzo]

Liked the dancing, wish I could've seen the production, to get an idea of the context and the reason for the mix of European and Asian costumes.

[fairlyducky]

I take it you people are in the "old traditionalists" camp.

I think the production was very well done, and I'd like to see you sing it.

[MartinWaddington]

I agree...this was a real dog's dinner of a production.

[HonestandActive]

Sorry, but that was awful - you've completely missed the point of this operetta and, indeed of Gilbert and Sullivan. The name changes were not funny and completely unnecessary. If you thought the Bollywood dancing was going to take away from the appalling singing, you were wrong there too. Hate it when people mess with G&S -- if it ain't broke don't [try to] fix it.