The Connecticut Gilbert and Sullivan Society
We perform the comic operettas of the British musical theater duo for the entertainment of
audiences drawn from the local community and for comedy lovers from across the state. These productions are as faithful to the original production values of these works as possible, with a professional orchestra and professional-caliber singers, costumes, and sets. Most CG&SS rehearsals take place in Middletown, CT. Performances have been at either the Santo Fraglio Performing Arts Center in Middletown, CT or the Valley Regional Performing Arts Center in Deep River, CT.
History
The Connecticut Gilbert and Sullivan Society was organized in 1980 with the encouragement of then-Gov. Ella Grasso, a noted admirer of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Since then, the group has produced a Savoy opera every year. During its first decade, most performances were in Middletown, but since 2012 our shows have been staged in Deep River.
CG&SS is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the rich heritage of satire and melody that emerged from the unique partnership of William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (between 1870 and 1900). The art form they created together, which was nurtured by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte at The Savoy Theatre, established the underpinnings which sustain the modern-day musical.
The organization offers an outlet for creativity as people help with productions on stage, behind stage, or as a sponsoring member of the audience. It adds to the quality of life in the Middletown area through performing arts, provides for study and performances of these 14 masterpieces with professional guidance; enriches the historical offerings to area audiences; encourages and supports area youth by including students from Middletown schools. We also have sponsored many benefit performances consisting of excerpts from G&S and occasionally other creators at a variety of venues in the area, along with Sullivan’s cantata “The Golden Legend” with organ and percussion, and a concert of Sullivan songs.
The Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society has received grants from the Middletown Commission on the Arts, the Connecticut Commission of the Arts, and the Middletown Foundation for the Arts. We have also received support through many employer-sponsored donation programs through members of the cast and crew.
CG&SS provides a showcase for talented singers, directors, designers, instrumentalists and stage technicians of professional expertise who make a living at other professions. This is family-oriented historical entertainment for the widest possible audience in the English language.
Board Members
Ed Kerrigan, President John Freedman, V. Pres. Denise Shultzman, Treasurer Kathleen Thompson, Recording Secy. Judy Kerrigan. Membership Secy. John Dreslin |
Katherine Faye Garry Jacobsen Natalie Wood Tom McCarthy David Moorehead Richard Tecca |
Directors and Production Team
Spencer Reese John Dreslin Marcia Miller John Freedman Kathy Faye Mathew Donnelly Joanne Becker David Moorehead Leslie Merwin Don Chamberlin Rich Ives Ed Kerrigan John Sloan Garry Jacobsen Robert Cumming |
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Artistic Director Music Director Choreographer Producer Associate Producer Technical Director Stage Manager Orchestra Manager Accompanist Lighting Sound Consultant Property Master Master Carpenter Set Design Assistant Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus |