SAILORS, SATIRE, AND SOPRANOS

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players keep H.M.S. Pinafore
proudly afloat—smart, tuneful, and gloriously old-school.

Producing a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta takes courage, talent, and resources. Yet every year the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players put on several productions, complete with a gorgeous single set, period costumes, and a live orchestra. Their second production of the 2025-2026 season is H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass that Loved a Sailor—and it certainly lives up to expectations.

Pinafore was Gilbert and Sullivan’s fourth collaboration and their first international success. The authorized production arrived in the United States in January 1879, followed by countless unauthorized ones, which so infuriated the collaborators that they opened their next show, The Pirates of Penzance, simultaneously in the UK and the US. Gilbert and Sullivan were not very successful in their attempts to combat piracy, but both shows have become staples of American musical theater.

James Mills as Sir Joseph Porter KCB and Ensemble

This production is directed by James Mills, with musical direction by Joseph Rubin, alternating with guest conductor Albert Bergeret at the podium Jan 10 & 17 at 7:30. David Auxier is Captain Corcoran of H.M.S. Pinafore, father of Josephine (Michelle Seipel), the comely maiden who falls in love with sailor Ralph Rackstraw (Cameron Smith). Mr. Mills plays the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty, who is Captain Corcoran’s choice of husband for his daughter. Angela Christine Smith is Little Buttercup, the chubby bumboat woman who sells goods to the sailors—and carries a torch for the captain.

Angela Christine Smith as Little Buttercup and crew

The cast is faithful to Gilbert’s satirical humor, both in his play on language and physical comedy. They also have strong operatic voices that fill the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College with beautiful sound. Mills—who played Major-General Stanley in the company’s excellent Pirates of Penzance (and may be wearing the same uniform)—again shows us the ridiculous side of grandiosity, while Auxier and Smith prove we’re never too old to find true love.

"Refrain audacious tar!"
Cameron Smith as Ralph Rackstraw, Michelle Seipel as Josephine

Although Gilbert forbade ad-libbing in productions of his shows, he did update lyrics to reflect current events. One hopes he would not be upset with the hilarious scene inserted here when the captain and admiral discuss the joys and perils of visiting New York City.

James Mills as Sir Joseph and David Auxier at Captain Corcoran

Last season we saw an excellent and original take on The Pirates of Penzance take Broadway by storm (Pirates! The Penzance Musical). Certainly there is a place for that kind of innovation. But it’s also nice to see Gilbert & Sullivan produced in a manner true to their Victorian—and anti-Victorian—leanings. The message of the basic humanity we all share, despite our foibles and failures, still rings true.

Cameron Smith as Ralph Rackstraw

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photos by Danny Bristoll

H.M.S. Pinafore
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP)
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave.
ends on January 18, 2026
for tickets (starting at $30), call 212.772.4448 or visit NYGASP

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