Though the acting is amusing and generally consistent throughout the performance (despite the sometimes overzealous facial expressions of the Rapturous Maids), the singing from most of the rest of the company remains a weak spot. At times the performers’ voices are nearly drowned out by the orchestra and, at others, breathiness and forced vibratos and undermine the energy of scenes.

The deficiency in singing is highlighted by the production’s uninspired orchestra. The music is unevenly performed and fails to deliver any of the heightened playfulness provided by Sullivan’s entertaining score.

But despite these bobbles, the production never loses the audience’s attention or fails to make Gilbert’s words sufficiently amusing.

If one follows the recommendation of director Dennis B. Clark ’03 to “think a little, but laugh a lot,” one will walk away with the same satisfaction that most Gilbert & Sullivan operettas offer their audiences.

theater

Patience

Music by Arthur Sullivan

Words and Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert

Directed by Dennis B. Clark ’03

Produced by Christina M. Mulligan ’04 and James R. Salzmann ’02

Agassiz Theater

April 4-13