THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701230138
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: BEACH BEAT
SOURCE: John Harper
LENGTH: 50 lines
Center Front founder Betty Ann Campbell unveils her adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's ``Gondoliers'' this week at the Baum Senior Center in Kill Devil Hills.
With more mix-ups than an episode of ``The Love Boat,'' the Victorian Period piece focuses on two brothers who arrive in Venice to claim their brides. A Duke who is in town to meet ``The Grand Inquisitor,'' a man he hopes will help his daughter claim the throne in nearby Barataria, also emerges on the scene.
Confusion ensues as one of the brothers is thought to be the long-lost heir to the throne. The mystery is solved by a nurse who knows the untold story.
Like all of the 19th-century Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, ``Gondoliers'' is a witty satire of Victorian-era society. Gilbert wrote the song lyrics and spoken dialogue. Sullivan wrote the music.
Although Campbell left in many of the operetta's original choruses, solos and duets, her adaptation of ``Gondoliers'' stresses the play's comedic aspects.
``We're not doing it as a musical,'' she says. ``We're doing it as a play with music.
``And as Gilbert once said,'' Campbell quoted, `` `I don't want singers. I want actors that sing.' ''
The Outer Banks production of the play features a 22-member cast and a group of seven off-stage technicians and directors. Mary Ann Mericle is the dramatic director. Set design and construction were done by Dick Hunt, Jerry Maloney, Bob Pfaff, Clara Meekins and Eddie Fehrmann - all members of the Baum Senior Center's 7-year-old drama group known as Center Front.
``That's what makes our group special,'' Campbell says. ``We make a place for everybody that wants to be in the play.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
Center Front players rehearse for the play, which features a
22-member cast.
Graphic
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Center Front's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's
``Gondoliers.''
WHERE: Baum Senior Center, Kill Devil Hills (near the library).
WHEN: Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Also, Feb. 2 at 1 p.m.
TICKETS: $13 each in advance. Call 480-1100 or 441-1181.