The Sorcerer
Gilbert and Sullivan were on the cusp of superstardom when they penned The Sorcerer, their third collaboration and first full-length operetta.
An aficionado told me in the foyer that you can hear the seeds of The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore in the score.
With a sumptuous 36-piece orchestra, a fine troupe of young emerging stars, experienced older hands and disciplined chorus, the company produced a very pleasing traditional production of the piece.
The narrative was easy to understand aided by the excellent diction of the whole cast. A Devonshire village has a visit from a sorcerer - John Wellington Wells - who provides a love potion that is placed into the town well. When the citizens wake up, they fall instantly in love with the first person they set their eyes on.
The Sorcerer has some pleasant songs without the blockbusters of the operettas that were to come.
Jordan Sarkis, a second-year student at the Conservatorium of Music, fit smugly into the role of Alexis the young suitor who purchased the love potion.
Looking at him, it was hard to fathom why he would need assistance of a chemical to woo his beloved. Jordan had a sweet tone – soaring in the aria “For Love Alone” with a sing song tone to his dialogue. Sarkis combined beautifully with Suzanne Chin (Aline), a local dentist by day and sparkling soprano on the weekend.
Baritone Matthew Morris was larger than life as the Sorcerer himself in a purple suit and gold interior cape.
All the principals were polished and the whole production had dashing costumes put together by Sandi Tutt and her team of helpers.
The chorus shone at the end of the first act (“Now to the banquet we press”) as the villagers enjoyed their muffins and strawberry jam with tight harmonies then fell asleep.
There were some nice sprinkles of humour. A villager fell in love with a gnome and Alexis boasts of being an influencer with thousands of followers.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Sydney now has a handy tour circuit, performing in Wyong on the way to Sydney and continuing a 30 year plus tradition of staging their operettas with a decent sized orchestra in Bundanoon.
Long may they thrive.
David Spicer
Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.