Our last, but certainly not least, cast interview is from the one and only Gary Sullivan.

What's your role in H.M.S Pinafore?
Sir Joseph Porter KCB

What's your favorite part of the show?
Well, Gilbert always gives the comic baritones these amazing memorable entrances, so I enjoy that my first entrance is a big, big deal. It starts with the men's chorus, then the ladies enter (the "sisters, cousins, and aunts"), and I then I get a patter song. 

Why is operetta important to you?
I've been around VLOC since 2005, so I've had some time to think about this. I'd say the importance of operetta to me starts with the music: Sullivan's music is so lovely and accessible. Gilbert's plots and dialog have a sweetness and innocence (with a satirical 'poke' underneath!) that I find utterly charming. And you finish up with happy endings all around. What's not to love?

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I'm continuing a long career with Marriott Hotels, on the Learning + Development team at headquarters in Bethesda. VLOC is my primary hobby, although I do love crossword puzzles, old movies (thanks TCM!), and a nightly dose of Jeopardy.

I've so enjoyed sharing these fun, quirky interviews from our H.M.S. Pinafore cast. You have ONE more chance to see this fantastic show - this afternoon at 2 PM. Tickets can be bought at the door or by calling the F. Scott Fitzgerald box office at 240-314-8690.

Tonight H.M.S. Pinafore is back at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre for its second weekend of performances! I'm very excited to share the lovely soprano performing the role of Josephine - Amy Broadbent.

What's your role in H.M.S Pinafore?
Josephine

What's your favorite part of the show?
My second act aria - very exciting musically and dramatically! Also singing the line "the butt of epauleted scorn" in Act II. 

Why is operetta important to you?
They are accessible to all audiences, and fun for everyone - performers and audience alike. 
​
When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I sing in the DC area and beyond with various ensembles. This fall, I will enlist to become the newest member of the Navy's professional choir, the Sea Chanters, based in Washington DC. 

How cool that Amy will be a member of the real US Navy come the fall! Congratulations! Remember there are only three more performances - this weekend only! Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or get your tickets here. 

Are we ready to meet another one of our talented performers? No Gilbert & Sullivan production is complete without a love-sick tenor. Our simple sailor lowly born - David Merrill

What's your role in H.M.S Pinafore?
Ralph Rackstraw

What's your favorite part of the show?
My favorite part of the show is working with Maestro Sorge and our fabulous director Kate Huntress-Reeve. They are brilliant in their craft, and their vision is honest and captivating. Come ride on the Pinafore, it's going to be a blast! 

Why is operetta important to you?
Operetta crosses the boundaries between Opera and Musical Theater. It opens the doors for so many more people who might have a love for one or the other, to experience the powerful mix of the two genres. In operetta you are still able to sing with your full instrument, while leaning on the edge of musical theater character development and actions. Bottom line, it's just a ton of fun! 

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I am the music director for Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park MD. When I am not at work, I try to stay busy on the stage in musicals and once and a while try my best in the musical director scene. However, mostly, I drive with my wife to her rehearsals in Alexandria VA, and watch her dace for her company MotionXDance DC! 

Only three more chances to see this fantastic production! Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or get your tickets here. 

Happy Monday Gilbert & Sullivan lovers! Were you able to join us for H.M.S. Pinafore's opening weekend?! If the answer is yes - VLOC thanks you for coming out! If the answer is no - you have three (3) more chances this weekend.

​And to get you pumped up I want to introduce you to the Captain himself - G. Stephen Stokes. 

What's your role in H.M.S Pinafore?
Captain Corcoran

What's your favorite part of the show?
Performing comic operetta with the talented members of VLOC. 

Why is operetta important to you?
It is a vibrant, accessible Art Form, that should be a part of the community's landscape of cultural heritage. Many of the themes in these shows are just as meaningful now, as they were a hundred years ago. 
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When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
Live, Love, Laugh, support my family, golf, billiards, and, in the privacy of my family room, yell at the crazy politicians on the tv.

Aye-Aye Captain! Don't forget you only have three more chances to see H.M.S. Pinafore. Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or get your tickets here. 

H.M.S Pinafore ​opens in just 2 days!  We're all getting pretty excited to welcome everyone aboard the ship, including all of Sir Joseph's sisters, cousins, and aunts.  And today we have an interview with one of his cousins - welcome Kayla Cummings!

Name
Kayla Cummings

What's your role in H.M.S Pinafore?
Chorus

What's your favorite part of the show?
Captain Corcoran's aria to the moon along with Captain Corcoran and Sir Joseph Porter's discovery of the love Josephine had for Ralph.

Why is operetta important to you?
A fun experience to perform with others for your audience is truly a wonderful thing to find and here in VLOC, we are all a happy group who enjoy what we do!

Thank you Kayla!  Don't miss your chance to see this beloved show - this weekend and next are your only chances!  Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or get your tickets here.  We'll see you there!