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==History==
==History==
For the troupe's initial performance, it put on a ''[[Patience]]'' production by [[Gilbert & Sullivan]] in March and April of 1958.<ref name="ref1"/>
For the troupe's initial performance, it put on a ''[[Patience]]'' production by [[Gilbert & Sullivan]] in March and April of 1958.<ref name="ref1"/> In 2011, it put on a production of the ''[[H.M.S. Pinafore]]''.<ref name="ref2">[https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-lamplighters-music-theater-boards-the-hms-haverford/Content?oid=2959568 "The Lamplighters Music Theatre Boards the H.M.S. Haverford"], ''[[East Bay Express]]'', Rachel Swan (August 17, 2011)</ref> They put on the same production with a new cast in 2019.<ref name="ref3">[https://theatrestorm.com/2019/08/23/review-hms-pinafore-presented-by-lamplighters-music-theatre/ "Review: HMS Pinafore"], ''Theater Storm'', Charles Kruger (August 23, 2019)</ref> In 2013, the troupe put on ''[[Iolanthe]]''.<ref name="ref5">[https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2013/08/12/review-lamplighters-music-theatre-delights-with-iolanthe/ "Review: Lamplighters Music Theatre delights with “Iolanthe"], ''[[East Bay Times]]'', Pat Craig (August 12, 2015)</ref>


In 2014, they put on ''[[Candide]],''<ref name="ref4">[https://patch.com/california/southsanfrancisco/lamplighters-music-theatre-presents-candide "Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Candide"], ''[[Patch.com]]'' (December 2, 2014)</ref> as well as in 2015.<ref name="ref7">[https://www.americantheatre.org/2017/02/03/thats-serious-entertainment-lillian-hellmans-bargain-with-audiences/ "That’s (Serious) Entertainment: Lillian Hellman’s Bargain With Audiences"], ''[[American Theatre]]'', Alice Kessler-Harris (February 3, 2017)</ref><ref name="ref8">[https://www.kqed.org/arts/10357025/the-best-and-most-troubled-of-all-possible-musicals "The Best and Most Troubled of All Possible Musicals"], [[KQED]], Sam Hurwitt (February 4, 2015)</ref> In 2016, the troupe's rendition of ''[[The Mikado]]'' was well-reviewed by critics, who found that retelling the tale in [[Milan]] instead of [[Japan]] removed offensive elements that made the original controversial.<ref name="ref6">[https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/03/isle-of-dogs-cultural-appropriation-police-film/ "The Cultural-Appropriation Police Come for Wes Anderson"], ''[[National Review]]'', Philip H. Devoe (March 29, 2018)</ref> Co-founder Orva Hoskinson died on January 26, 2017, after serving in the truope for years as a director and performer.<ref name="ref1">[https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Lamplighters-Music-Theatre-Mourns-the-Death-of-Beloved-Co-Founder-Orva-Hoskinson-20170127 "Lamplighters Music Theatre Mourns the Death of Beloved Co-Founder Orva Hoskinson"], ''[[Broadway World]]'', BWW News Desk (January 27, 2017)</ref> In 2017, the theatre troupe announced Dennis Lickteig as artistic director.<ref name="ref9">[https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Lamplighters-Music-Theatre-Announces-Dennis-Lickteig-as-Artistic-Director-20170602 "Lamplighters Music Theatre Announces Dennis Lickteig as Artistic Director"], ''[[Broadway World]]'' (June 2, 2017)</ref>
''The Mercury News'' praised the casting in the troupe's 2011 version of ''[[Yeoman of the Guard]]''.<ref name="ref20">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2011/02/02/review-perfect-cast-excels-in-lamplighters-yeoman-of-the-guard/ "Review: Perfect cast excels in Lamplighters’ ‘Yeoman of the Guard’"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'' (February 2, 2011)</ref> In 2011, it put on a production of the ''[[H.M.S. Pinafore]]''.<ref name="ref2">[https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-lamplighters-music-theater-boards-the-hms-haverford/Content?oid=2959568 "The Lamplighters Music Theatre Boards the H.M.S. Haverford"], ''[[East Bay Express]]'', Rachel Swan (August 17, 2011)</ref> They put on the same production with a new cast in 2019.<ref name="ref3">[https://theatrestorm.com/2019/08/23/review-hms-pinafore-presented-by-lamplighters-music-theatre/ "Review: HMS Pinafore"], ''Theater Storm'', Charles Kruger (August 23, 2019)</ref> In 2013, the troupe put on ''[[Iolanthe]]''.<ref name="ref5">[https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2013/08/12/review-lamplighters-music-theatre-delights-with-iolanthe/ "Review: Lamplighters Music Theatre delights with “Iolanthe"], ''[[East Bay Times]]'', Pat Craig (August 12, 2015)</ref> In 2013, the group did its first full-length operetta, ''[[The Sorcerer]]'' from 1877.<ref name="ref21">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/03/19/review-lamplighters-delights-with-semi-staged-the-sorcerer/ "Review: Lamplighters delights with semi-staged ‘The Sorcerer’"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Pat Craig (March 19, 2013)</ref>

In 2014, it performed a new translation by [[David Scott Marley]] of ''[[Die Fledermaus]]'' at the Bankhead Theater i Livermore.<ref name="ref18">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/01/28/entertainment-livermores-bankhead-to-present-lamplighters-die-fledermaus/ "Entertainment: Livermore’s Bankhead to present Lamplighters’ ‘Die Fledermaus’"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Pat Craig (January 28, 2014)</ref> Also in 2014, they put on ''[[Candide]],''<ref name="ref4">[https://patch.com/california/southsanfrancisco/lamplighters-music-theatre-presents-candide "Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Candide"], ''[[Patch.com]]'' (December 2, 2014)</ref> as well as in 2015.<ref name="ref7">[https://www.americantheatre.org/2017/02/03/thats-serious-entertainment-lillian-hellmans-bargain-with-audiences/ "That’s (Serious) Entertainment: Lillian Hellman’s Bargain With Audiences"], ''[[American Theatre]]'', Alice Kessler-Harris (February 3, 2017)</ref><ref name="ref8">[https://www.kqed.org/arts/10357025/the-best-and-most-troubled-of-all-possible-musicals "The Best and Most Troubled of All Possible Musicals"], [[KQED]], Sam Hurwitt (February 4, 2015)</ref> In 2016, the troupe's rendition of ''[[The Mikado]]'' was well-reviewed by critics, who found that retelling the tale in [[Milan]] instead of [[Japan]] removed offensive elements that made the original controversial.<ref name="ref6">[https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/03/isle-of-dogs-cultural-appropriation-police-film/ "The Cultural-Appropriation Police Come for Wes Anderson"], ''[[National Review]]'', Philip H. Devoe (March 29, 2018)</ref> The Italy-based version of ''Mikado'' was renamed by the troupe as ''The New Mikado — Una Commedia Musicale''.<ref name="ref19">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2016/08/08/review-guilt-free-mikado-unveiled-by-lamplighters/ "Review: Guilt-free ‘Mikado’ unveiled by Lamplighters "], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Samm Hurwitt (August 8, 2016)</ref>

A "sampler" show of multiple comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan was presented in early 2017, receiving a mixed review by ''The Mercury News,'' which praised the performance but called the adaptation, created by the director, overlong at three hours.<ref name="ref16">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/04/29/review-song-to-sing-is-chock-full-of-gilbert-and-sullivan-gems/ "Review: ‘Song to Sing’ is chock full of Gilbert and Sullivan gems"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sam Hurwitt (April 29, 2017)</ref> In 2017, their touring performance of ''[[The Yeomen of the Guard]]'' was given a positive reception by ''[[The Mercury News]]''.<ref name="ref15">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/10/review-lamplighters-lovely-yeoman-tours-the-bay-area/ "Review: Lamplighters’ lovely ‘Yeoman’ tours the Bay Area"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sam Hurwitt (August 10, 2017)</ref> ''[[The Gondoliers]]'' was put on in early 2018, by [[William S. Gilbert]].<ref name="ref13">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/07/review-gilbert-and-sullivans-gondoliers-is-a-delightfully-rollicking-ride/ "Review: Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Gondoliers’ is a delightfully rollicking ride"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sam Hurwitt (February 11, 2018)</ref> Co-founder Orva Hoskinson died on January 26, 2017, after serving in the truope for years as a director and performer.<ref name="ref1">[https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Lamplighters-Music-Theatre-Mourns-the-Death-of-Beloved-Co-Founder-Orva-Hoskinson-20170127 "Lamplighters Music Theatre Mourns the Death of Beloved Co-Founder Orva Hoskinson"], ''[[Broadway World]]'', BWW News Desk (January 27, 2017)</ref> In 2017, the theatre troupe announced Dennis Lickteig as artistic director.<ref name="ref9">[https://www.broadwayworld.com/san-francisco/article/Lamplighters-Music-Theatre-Announces-Dennis-Lickteig-as-Artistic-Director-20170602 "Lamplighters Music Theatre Announces Dennis Lickteig as Artistic Director"], ''[[Broadway World]]'' (June 2, 2017)</ref> In 2019, the troupe put on ''[[Trial by Jury Duty]]''.<ref name="ref10"/> In 2019, the put on ''[[Pirates of Penzance]]'', under direction by Nicolas Aliaga Garcia.<ref name="ref12">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/08/01/lamplights-brings-pirates-of-penzance-for-modern-era-on-sf-bay-area-tour/ "Lamplighters brings ‘Pirates of Penzance’ for modern era on SF Bay Area tour"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sam Hurwitt (August 5, 2018)</ref>


==Production style and venues==
==Production style and venues==
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 theatre|musical comedy]], presented as a champagne gala fundraiser and silent auction, in November. The company also creates educational programs for schools.<ref>[http://www.lamplighters.org/education.html "Educational Opportunities with The Lamplighters"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205234942/http://lamplighters.org/education.html |date=2010-12-05 }}. Lamplighters' official website, accessed April 22, 2010</ref> The Lamplighters' artistic director is Dennis Lickteig, and its musical director is Baker Peeples.<ref>[http://www.lamplighters.org/about/about.html#meet "About Us: Meet the Lamplighters"]. Lamplighters' official website, accessed May 27, 2016</ref>
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 theatre|musical comedy]], presented as a champagne gala fundraiser and silent auction, in November. The company also creates educational programs for schools.<ref>[http://www.lamplighters.org/education.html "Educational Opportunities with The Lamplighters"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205234942/http://lamplighters.org/education.html |date=2010-12-05 }}. Lamplighters' official website, accessed April 22, 2010</ref> The Lamplighters' artistic director is Dennis Lickteig, and its musical director is Baker Peeples.<ref>[http://www.lamplighters.org/about/about.html#meet "About Us: Meet the Lamplighters"]. Lamplighters' official website, accessed May 27, 2016</ref>


The Lamplighters performed at [[Harding Theater]] from 1961 to 1968 and then at the [[University of San Francisco]]'s until 1995.<ref name="ref11">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080509101310/http://www.usfca.edu/presentationtheater/history.html "A Brief History of Presentation Theater"], Presentation Theater</ref> 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 Lamplighters performed at [[Harding Theater]] from 1961 to 1968 and then at the [[University of San Francisco]]'s until 1995.<ref name="ref11">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080509101310/http://www.usfca.edu/presentationtheater/history.html "A Brief History of Presentation Theater"], Presentation Theater</ref> 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]]<ref name="ref17">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2015/07/31/curtain-calls-pinafore-drops-anchor-at-lesher-center-this-weekend/ "Curtain Calls: ‘Pinafore’ drops anchor at Lesher Center this weekend"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sally Hogarty (July 31, 2015)</ref> and several other Bay Area theaters.


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
The ''Mercury News'' says that "Lamplighters Music Theatre knows the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan backwards, forwards, upside down and inside out."<ref name="ref10">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/03/27/lamplighters-revives-early-gilbert-sullivan-farce-and-adds-a-sequel/ "Lamplighters revives early Gilbert & Sullivan farce — and adds a sequel"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sam Hurwitt (March 27, 2019)</ref>

Since its founding, it has "been chiefly devoted to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan," and also other musicals, for example ''[[A Little Night Music]]'' by [[Stephen Sondheim]] in early 2019.<ref name="ref14">[https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/08/13/review-lamplighters-sails-gs-pinafore-with-an-assured-hand/ "Review: Lamplighters sails G&S’ ‘Pinafore’ with an assured hand"], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', Sam Hurwitt (August 13, 2019)</ref>

The ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' review called the company's 2010 production of Gilbert and Sullivan's ''[[Patience (opera)|Patience]]'', "a splendid and loving production", commenting that the performance "used the company's long experience of the [[Savoy opera|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."<ref>Kosman, Joshua. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/18/DDLE1BJIHN.DTL "Operetta review: Lamplighters' ''Patience'']. ''San Francisco Chronicle'', January 19, 2010</ref> ''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".<ref>Connema, Richard. [http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/sanfran/s303.html "Lamplighters Presents a Beautiful Production of Gilbert and Sullivan's ''Princess Ida''"]. ''Talkin' Broadway'', February 16, 2003, accessed April 22, 2010</ref>
The ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' review called the company's 2010 production of Gilbert and Sullivan's ''[[Patience (opera)|Patience]]'', "a splendid and loving production", commenting that the performance "used the company's long experience of the [[Savoy opera|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."<ref>Kosman, Joshua. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/18/DDLE1BJIHN.DTL "Operetta review: Lamplighters' ''Patience'']. ''San Francisco Chronicle'', January 19, 2010</ref> ''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".<ref>Connema, Richard. [http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/sanfran/s303.html "Lamplighters Presents a Beautiful Production of Gilbert and Sullivan's ''Princess Ida''"]. ''Talkin' Broadway'', February 16, 2003, accessed April 22, 2010</ref>


Revision as of 15:27, 8 March 2020

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]

History

For the troupe's initial performance, it put on a Patience production by Gilbert & Sullivan in March and April of 1958.[3]

The Mercury News praised the casting in the troupe's 2011 version of Yeoman of the Guard.[4] In 2011, it put on a production of the H.M.S. Pinafore.[5] They put on the same production with a new cast in 2019.[6] In 2013, the troupe put on Iolanthe.[7] In 2013, the group did its first full-length operetta, The Sorcerer from 1877.[8]

In 2014, it performed a new translation by David Scott Marley of Die Fledermaus at the Bankhead Theater i Livermore.[9] Also in 2014, they put on Candide,[10] as well as in 2015.[11][12] In 2016, the troupe's rendition of The Mikado was well-reviewed by critics, who found that retelling the tale in Milan instead of Japan removed offensive elements that made the original controversial.[13] The Italy-based version of Mikado was renamed by the troupe as The New Mikado — Una Commedia Musicale.[14]

A "sampler" show of multiple comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan was presented in early 2017, receiving a mixed review by The Mercury News, which praised the performance but called the adaptation, created by the director, overlong at three hours.[15] In 2017, their touring performance of The Yeomen of the Guard was given a positive reception by The Mercury News.[16] The Gondoliers was put on in early 2018, by William S. Gilbert.[17] Co-founder Orva Hoskinson died on January 26, 2017, after serving in the truope for years as a director and performer.[3] In 2017, the theatre troupe announced Dennis Lickteig as artistic director.[18] In 2019, the troupe put on Trial by Jury Duty.[19] In 2019, the put on Pirates of Penzance, under direction by Nicolas Aliaga Garcia.[20]

Production style and venues

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.[21] The Lamplighters' artistic director is Dennis Lickteig, and its musical director is Baker Peeples.[22]

The Lamplighters performed at Harding Theater from 1961 to 1968 and then at the University of San Francisco's until 1995.[23] 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[24] and several other Bay Area theaters.

Critical reception

The Mercury News says that "Lamplighters Music Theatre knows the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan backwards, forwards, upside down and inside out."[19]

Since its founding, it has "been chiefly devoted to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan," and also other musicals, for example A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim in early 2019.[25]

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."[26] 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".[27]

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. ^ a b "Lamplighters Music Theatre Mourns the Death of Beloved Co-Founder Orva Hoskinson", Broadway World, BWW News Desk (January 27, 2017)
  4. ^ "Review: Perfect cast excels in Lamplighters’ ‘Yeoman of the Guard’", The Mercury News (February 2, 2011)
  5. ^ "The Lamplighters Music Theatre Boards the H.M.S. Haverford", East Bay Express, Rachel Swan (August 17, 2011)
  6. ^ "Review: HMS Pinafore", Theater Storm, Charles Kruger (August 23, 2019)
  7. ^ "Review: Lamplighters Music Theatre delights with “Iolanthe", East Bay Times, Pat Craig (August 12, 2015)
  8. ^ "Review: Lamplighters delights with semi-staged ‘The Sorcerer’", The Mercury News, Pat Craig (March 19, 2013)
  9. ^ "Entertainment: Livermore’s Bankhead to present Lamplighters’ ‘Die Fledermaus’", The Mercury News, Pat Craig (January 28, 2014)
  10. ^ "Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Candide", Patch.com (December 2, 2014)
  11. ^ "That’s (Serious) Entertainment: Lillian Hellman’s Bargain With Audiences", American Theatre, Alice Kessler-Harris (February 3, 2017)
  12. ^ "The Best and Most Troubled of All Possible Musicals", KQED, Sam Hurwitt (February 4, 2015)
  13. ^ "The Cultural-Appropriation Police Come for Wes Anderson", National Review, Philip H. Devoe (March 29, 2018)
  14. ^ "Review: Guilt-free ‘Mikado’ unveiled by Lamplighters ", The Mercury News, Samm Hurwitt (August 8, 2016)
  15. ^ "Review: ‘Song to Sing’ is chock full of Gilbert and Sullivan gems", The Mercury News, Sam Hurwitt (April 29, 2017)
  16. ^ "Review: Lamplighters’ lovely ‘Yeoman’ tours the Bay Area", The Mercury News, Sam Hurwitt (August 10, 2017)
  17. ^ "Review: Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Gondoliers’ is a delightfully rollicking ride", The Mercury News, Sam Hurwitt (February 11, 2018)
  18. ^ "Lamplighters Music Theatre Announces Dennis Lickteig as Artistic Director", Broadway World (June 2, 2017)
  19. ^ a b "Lamplighters revives early Gilbert & Sullivan farce — and adds a sequel", The Mercury News, Sam Hurwitt (March 27, 2019)
  20. ^ "Lamplighters brings ‘Pirates of Penzance’ for modern era on SF Bay Area tour", The Mercury News, Sam Hurwitt (August 5, 2018)
  21. ^ "Educational Opportunities with The Lamplighters" Archived 2010-12-05 at the Wayback Machine. Lamplighters' official website, accessed April 22, 2010
  22. ^ "About Us: Meet the Lamplighters". Lamplighters' official website, accessed May 27, 2016
  23. ^ "A Brief History of Presentation Theater", Presentation Theater
  24. ^ "Curtain Calls: ‘Pinafore’ drops anchor at Lesher Center this weekend", The Mercury News, Sally Hogarty (July 31, 2015)
  25. ^ "Review: Lamplighters sails G&S’ ‘Pinafore’ with an assured hand", The Mercury News, Sam Hurwitt (August 13, 2019)
  26. ^ Kosman, Joshua. "Operetta review: Lamplighters' Patience. San Francisco Chronicle, January 19, 2010
  27. ^ Connema, Richard. "Lamplighters Presents a Beautiful Production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Princess Ida". Talkin' Broadway, February 16, 2003, accessed April 22, 2010
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