Returning to the stage after a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Savoyaires present a double bill of Gilbert & Sullivan’s one-act “Trial by Jury” and the world premiere of the one-act “Six Characters in Search of Gilbert & Sullivan” as the Evanston company’s 56th annual G&S production.
Virtually the entire artistic staff of the company’s most recent productions of Ruddigore and
The Yeomen of the Guard return this year: resident director Kingsley Day, who as a performer
appeared in 17 Savoyaires productions, playing the lead patter-baritone role in all 14 G&S
operettas; resident music director Timothy Semanik, conductor of the Northwest Symphony, Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra, and Bradley University Orchestra, returning for his 13th consecutive show as conductor of the 30-piece Savoyaires orchestra; Jeff-winning costume designer Tom Kieffer, returning for his 6th Savoyaires production; set designer Jessica Howe and lighting designer Kurt Lemke; and resident producer Laima Day, returning for her 17th year.
Joining them for this year’s production is choreographer Nicole Holahan.
In “Trial by Jury,” a jilted bride sues her philandering fiancé before an utterly biased jury and judge.
In “Six Characters in Search of Gilbert & Sullivan,” the squabbles and complaints of the fabled pair’s longtime star performers inspire the writer and composer to create a new show in which all the leading roles are equal.
Devised by Savoyaires resident director Kingsley Day, this world premiere one-act features a wealth of favorite G&S solos, duets, trios, and other ensembles.
Performances, at the Chute School Auditorium, 1400 Oakton St. in Evanston, run from Sept. 23 through Oct. 2, with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets are $30/25/20 ($25/20/15 for ages 12 and under) and may be purchased by phone at 847-563-0155, online at savoyaires.org/tickets, or by mail at Savoyaires, P.O. Box 126, Evanston, IL 60204.
Masking and proof of vaccination are required.
The Savoyaires are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.