H.M.S. Pinafore in Concert at Lincoln Theater‏

Damariscotta, Maine - On Friday March 8, the curtain will rise to the sounds of the Never Never Sick at Sea Symphony Orchestra, featuring the DaPonte String Quartet, and the overture to one of the world’s most beloved operas, H.M.S. Pinafore.  For three performances only, it is being proudly presented in concert by the Lincoln County Community Theater, in residence in Damariscotta’s historic Lincoln Theater, and will performed with a company of 9 soloists, 13 orchestral musicians, 27 chorus members, and 1 Mistress of Ceremonies, (the bubbling Barbara Bruno), all assembled under the baton of Maestro John Mulcahy.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore; or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts. For those who may have forgotten it’s amusing tale,  the story takes place aboard the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore on which we find a gallant crew of able bodied seamen, including Dick Deadeye (Nick Azzaretti), Bill Bobstay (Andy Barber), and Bob Becket(Andy Sherrill), being tempted to purchase the wares of Little Buttercup (Lesley Dolinger).

The captain's daughter, Josephine (Nancy-Grace Dersham), is in love with a lower-class sailor, Ralph Rackstraw (Jason Phillips), although her father, Captain Corcoran, Commander of H.M.S. Pinafore (Tom Crutcher), intends her to marry Sir Joseph Porter (Don Carrigan). Josephine abides by her father's wishes at first, but Sir Joseph's advocacy of the equality of humankind encourages Ralph and Josephine to overturn conventional social order. They declare their love for each other and plan to elope. The captain discovers this plot, but a surprise disclosure changes things dramatically.  The company is complete with a chorus of Sir Joseph’s sister, his cousins, and his aunts, under the tutelage of Cousin Hebe (Ruth Monsell) as well as a group of able sailors.

HMS Pinafore plays Friday March 8 and Saturday March 9 at 7:30 and a matinee performance, Sunday March 10 at 2 pm at Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta.  Tickets are $12 adults, $5 for Youth 18 and under and may be reserved by calling the box office at 563-3424 or by visiting during regular box office hours (Tuesday through Friday 1-5 pm, or one hour before curtain).  Additional information can be found on the theater’s website, www.athtelincoln.org.  These concerts have been generously sponsored by Peapod Jewelry and over 60 commissioners who have underwritten the Never Never Sick at Sea Symphony Orchestra.  Never mind the why or wherefore, get thee to Lincoln Theater to chase away the winter blues with an evening of mirth and merriment.