Lamplighters Music Theatre

Lamplighters Music Theatre is a semi-professional musical theatre company based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1952 by Orva Hoskinson and Ann Pool MacNab, the Lamplighters specialize in light opera, particularly the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as such works as The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, Of Thee I Sing, My Fair Lady, Candide, and A Little Night Music.[1][2]

The company's season usually comprises four productions: a fully staged production in January/February; a staged concert in the spring; a fully staged production in July/August; and a full-length original musical comedy, presented as a champagne gala fundraiser and silent auction, in November. The company also creates educational programs for schools.[3] The Lamplighters' artistic director is Rick Williams, and its musical director is Baker Peeples.[4]

The Lamplighters performed at Harding Theater from 1961 to 1968 and then at the University of San Francisco's Presentation Theater until 1995. Since then, it has performed at San Francisco's Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek and several other Bay Area theaters.

The San Francisco Chronicle review called the company's 2010 production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience, "a splendid and loving production", commenting that the performance "used the company's long experience of the Savoy operettas to fine effect. At their best, the Lamplighters' productions take an approach to this material that is mindful of tradition without ever seeming musty or warmed over."[5] Talkin' Broadway called the company's Princess Ida "a gorgeous production". .... "The singing of the principals is superior". ... "The chorus work as usual is superb, and the full orchestra is brilliant. The sets and costumes are breathtaking".[6]

References

  1. Martinfield, Seán. "H.M.S. Pinafore sails the Lamplighters Music Theatre into 55th Season". San Francisco Sentinel, August 2, 2007, accessed April 21, 2010
  2. Stack, Peter. "A Leading Light in Gilbert and Sullivan". SF Gate, Hearst Communications Inc., January 9, 2000, accessed April 22, 2010
  3. "Educational Opportunities with The Lamplighters". Lamplighters' official website, accessed April 22, 2010
  4. "About Us: Meet the Lamplighters". Lamplighters' official website, accessed May 27, 2016
  5. Kosman, Joshua. "Operetta review: Lamplighters' Patience. San Francisco Chronicle, January 19, 2010
  6. Connema, Richard. "Lamplighters Presents a Beautiful Production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Princess Ida". Talkin' Broadway, February 16, 2003, accessed April 22, 2010

External links

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