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| The Hypocrites "H.M.S. Pinafore" Oberon Through March 20th Photo by Evgenia Eliseeva |
Whenever the Chicago-based troupe, The Hypocrites, return to Boston, it is a red letter day for me. Their showmanship and antics remind me of every family's eccentric Aunt Tillie coming home from her ashram in Santa Cruz for an annual visit for the holidays. She is fun-loving, and does things with you that your parents would never countenance. She takes you to Brooklyn Boulders, goes Zip-Lining, leads you in sampling vegan food from Eritrea in Central Square, and urges you to join her in seeing an off-beat show at The Oberon!
Under the Direction of Saugus native Sean Graney, the Hypocrites have embedded their daring DNA into the usually button-ed-up Gilbert & Sullivan oeuvre, This is not your grandfather's D'Oyly Carte production of "H.M.S. Pinafore." The gender roles have been reversed - sailors are now sail'resses - , and the entire operetta is set as a sea-going pajama party. Intrepid audience members are invited to immerse themselves in the set and in the interaction with cast members. I do not remember ever having more fun at a performance of "Pinafore" - not even when I played the role of Captain Corcoran many years ago. More risk averse members of the audience can choose to sit at tables in the mezzanine sections, avoiding the fun and disruption of pillow fights and throwing of stuffed animals.
Despite the fun that the ensemble clearly has in re-framing this classical piece of theater, The Hypocrites are serious and solid musicians and performers. They are: Dana Omar, Emily Casey, Christine Stulik, Erin O'Shea, Kate Carson-Gronier, Doug Pawlik, Matt Kahler, Erik Schroeder and Shawn Pfautsch.
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| Doug Pawlik as Joseph with his trusty clarinet Dana Omar as Ralphina with her "oboe" Hypocrites "H.M.S. Pinafore" Oberon Through March 20th Photo by Evgenia Eliseeva |
The ensemble members are universally excellent, but standing out in the performance I attended were Dana Omar as Ralphina, in love with Doug Pawlik as Joseph, son of Captain Cat Coran, played by Emily Casey. Kate Carson-Groner plays the hilarious Dot Dead-Eye, and Christine Stulik is Admiral Dame Jo-Anne Porter. Matt Kahler is L'il Buttercup.
Mr. Graney shares directing chores with Thrisa Hodits, with Music Direction by Andra Velis Simon. The whimsical set is designed by Tom Burch, with Lighting by Heather Gilbert and Sound by Kevin O'Donnell. Erin Kilmurray choreographs movement on land and sea.
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Doug Pawlik as Joseph with audience members arrayed at his feet
Hypocrites
"H.M.S. Pinafore"
Oberon
Through March 20th
Photo by Evgenia Eliseeva
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The fun-filled shenanigans notwithstanding, there are some serious themes flowing just beneath the surface of this narrative. The chasm between social classes was a serious issue in the days of Gilbert & Sullivan, and remains an issue in these days of Trump & Cruz. The choice to switch gender roles in this production shines a light on issues of gender equality and gender expectations in society.
Get ready to set sail for a rollicking evening of pure delight. And I can guarantee that you will "never be sick at sea" "What, never?" "Hardly ever!"
Through March 20th at the Oberon.
American Repertory Theater Website
Enjoy!
Al
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