Write a commentThe fall production by Oswego Opera Theater will feature two comic operettas – Trial by Jury by Gilbert and Sullivan and Cox and Box by Burnand and Sullivan – both hilarious satires on the 19th century British legal system.
Since the two are set in a courtroom, the performance will be held in a real one in the Oswego County Courthouse, 25 East Oneida Street in Oswego on Friday, November 1 and Saturday November 2 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, November 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Trial by Jury is a case of "Breach of Promise of Marriage" (Yes, there were such cases in England in 1875 when Gilbert and Sullivan wrote this). Angelina, the Plaintiff, is suing Edwin, the Defendant, for jilting her for another just before their scheduled marriage. Lizzy Dunn, a junior at SUNY Oswego studying vocal performance, sings this soprano role, and Matthew Youngblood, tenor, with performance experiences nationally, portrays Edwin, the Defendant. Another character in this ludicrous plot is the Judge, played by Vince Gover, baritone from Maryland, known as a singer, actor, and composer, but best known for his portrayals in light opera and musical theater throughout the country. Adam Fine as Usher is a familiar figure to Central New York audiences for his performances in Oswego Opera Theater, as well as otheropera and oratorio companies in the region, and especially as a host on WCNY Classic FM. Thomas Gilbo, as the Counsel, is a senior at SUNY Oswego with many opera performances to his credit. Ben Spierman from NYC, who has extensive experiences in opera as performer and director, serves as Forman of the Jury. A chorus of Jurymen, Bridesmaids, Barristers, and Attorneys enlivens the plot, as does the orchestra.
Cox and Box was Arthur Sullivan's entry into the world of comic opera. Its first private performance was in 1866 and its first public one was in 1867. This farcical plot revolves around the efforts of the landlord Sgt. Bouncer to keep apart his two lodgers, Cox and Box, to whom he rents the same room, one by night and one by day. When one of them gets the day off, they meet – and they realize they are both engaged to the same woman, Penelope Ann Wiggins. Mr. Box, originally engaged to her, faked his death to get out of the relationship. Mr. Cox then became engaged to her, but he, too, has begun to have second thoughts. He urges Mr. Box to come back to life and marry Penelope Ann, so that he will not have to. Mr. Box refuses, and they are about to fight a duel in which the unlucky survivor will marry Penelope. Eventually they learn their marital worries are over, for Penelope has married a third suitor, Mr. Knox. Both men conclude they are long lost brothers. Mr. Cox is portrayed by Vince Gover, baritone, and Mr. Box by Mathew Youngblood, tenor. Sgt. Bouncer is played by Benjamin Spierman, director.
The two works will be directed by Oswego Opera Theater's three general directors – Benjamin Spierman, also general director of the Bronx Opera Company, and Amanda Li (rehearsal pianist) and Benjamin May (conductor), both on the faculty of the SUNY Oswego Music Department.
Ticket prices are $35 for general admission, $25 for senior – 62 and above – and $10 for students. The courtroom provides a limited number of premium seats with cushioned upholstery for $50. A link to buy tickets is available on the company's website: www.oswegooperatheater.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for cash or check.
