I'm back!
I must respond to the comment that the reviews of the shows
at Buxton have been too "negative."
Isn't SavoyNet the place for honest, even nit-picky reviews?
We are all G&S fans and love the shows, but we are entitled
to see the best G&S, and any group that brings a show to
Buxton has expressed its desire to be judged.
I was generally disappointed with the quality of the shows
in Buxton. The shows were definitely not as good, overall, as
in Philly '96 or last year in Buxton. I saw the following shows:
....
10. Grand Duke. August 11.
This was my last night in Buxton, and I am very glad I stayed!!!
I agree that GD is a show that should only be attempted by the
strongest societies. Fortunately, Seattle is an extremely strong
society. The chorus sang beautifully. Lisa was delightful.
Ludwig was too young but carried the exhausting role with
energy and fun, if a little too "musical comedy." Julia was
a vocal and dramatic tour-de-force. Tannhauser was
delightful. Even Ernest, played by a very big, middle
aged man, gave the character an extremely believeable
theater manager persona. All of the quintets were
glorious sounding, and the movement onstage from
both principals and chorus was excellent throughout.
But I have saved the best for last. The Rudolph was
so funny that I was ROTFL!!! This role CANNOT be
done better than this guy did it. I imagine he is an
excellent patter man in all of the G&S patter roles. His
stage presence, excellent voice, superlative diction
and amusing wry character, reminiscent of Groucho
Marx, were all an incredible addition to the show.
I do not believe that anyone has EVER done a better
Grand Duke than this.
I'm sorry if my reviews are not filled with sweetness and
light, but I don't see how it serves SavoyNet subscribers
to read "softball" reviews. I call 'em as I see 'em.
Sam