The Pirates of Penzance - Chorus of girls - Climbing over rocky mountain

[Blueboyo1]

And tommy opera, thanks for downloading all the clips from this particular production. 'Love it.

[tommyopera]

@Blueboyo1 Cheers Mate! My pleasure :)

[Blueboyo1]

One of you is a dancer, the other is concerned about and expert in music. I am a theatre director (everything from children's theatre to grand opera) having done 87 shows over the years in every kind of setting. So, my own prejudice is that if it is a recital that's one thing. The music is the focus. If it is a "show" then it is theatre and those protocols, procedures, practices, standards prevail. Sorry about the quotation marks - sans capitals I did not know how to address you.

[Blueboyo1]

Oh, both of you grow up ! If there is not much dancing, well that is the way it was originally staged and not every production has access to skilled dancers who can also sing this well. As for you "tommy opera" don't be a vacuous snob. If the singing were evrything, we could just go to a damned recital. This is theatre, so it combines, as much as available money, and available talent will allow, everything. Just settle back and enjoy Helen Donaldson and every one else.

[tommyopera]

@Blueboyo1 LMAO! I fail to see the insult in putting my username in quotations. I am, however, very happy to see such energized debate over how much or how little choreography is tasteful in a G&S opera. I do agree that singing isn't everything "Blueboyo1". In fact, singing, dancing, costumes; all these take a supporting role to Storytelling (Especially in Recitals). Within the G&S paradigm, dancing has its place, but is understated and high-brow-victorian-British. A difficult style.

[Msemmy1759]

@civsaballerina me too! and idk how im gonna sing that high

[civsaballerina]

i wish i could sing like that...im doing this play and im one of the daughters but my voice is so looooowwwww!!!!

[begs54]

Now this is the way G&S SHOULD be preformed. Set, costumes and singing, the way it was written. However, they really needed to fix the hoop skirt problem!!

[ErnestSDavis1]

Sorry, 'tread the measure".

[ErnestSDavis1]

I entirely enjoy the video, but I don't see how anyone can argue that dancing would be out of place for performing a song with the words "Let us gaily trip the measure" (dance)..

[Queen0fDaW0rld]

it sounds abstrusely wonderful! But would be better with a little bouncy choreography. These are pretty hyper girls

[slave2therapy]

i disagree with the idea that the creators wouldn't have appreciated some dancing; the music has plenty of dance within it. a little movement, within the training of ladies at the time, would enhance the idea of girlish fantasy this piece was built around. they wouldn't have to do anything crazy, but a bit of waltzing with each other or some basic ballroom steps wouldn't be out of place at all. anyone who's seen young girls playing would know perfectly well that they'd pirouette a bit too.

[MsToughcookies]

Still think some choreography is needed. Sorry, I'm a dancer andthat;s how I think...

[tommyopera]

@MsToughcookies That's ok. I tend to think in terms of Musicality when dealing with Opera and Light Opera. For me, dance has its place but only in so far as it supports both storyline and music. Anything more and you have a vacuous spectacle that distracts rather than engages.

[mchapm15]

Why is there no choreography!!? :(

[tommyopera]

@mchapm15 Because this is classic G&S, not some tarted-up Broadway spectacle :) Good interpretations of these operas are subtle, understated, and have a dry wit so celebrated by educated Englishmen and Women. Would you want Rent to be performed this way? Of course not as it would ruin the spectacle of a good musical. So long as a director puts the intentions of Gilbert and Sullivan first, their creation will enjoy the support of G&S's initial brilliance. BTW I think they sing very well ;)

[Msmusicfreak272]

i like the one in the orangish dress w yellow in the middle at 4:05