St. Michael’s Episcopal School will feature the opening of “Thespis, or, The Gods Grown Old” on February 20. This will be their 36th student production of a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta and include all students, grades 5 through 12, as cast members. In addition to acting and singing, the students also designed the promotional art including posters, programs, and t-shirts, as well as aiding in the creation of the set.
Gilbert & Sullivan are most well-known for “The Pirates of Penzance.” Other well-known G&S operas include “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “The Mikado.” St. Michael’s will be the first performance of “Thespis” in Texas and the first performance of this particular version of the show in North America. Director Kate Chapman has set the show in the 1920s, making the St. Michael’s operetta a truly unique experience for the audience.
In celebration of this one-of-a-kind event, the school is hosting a gala on Thursday, February 20 featuring guest Ralph MacPhail, head of the Austin Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and catered by Chef Tai Lee. Before the show, MacPhail will entertain the guests with an informative talk on “Thespis,” which was the famous duo’s first collaboration, as they dine on Chef Lee’s savory creations. At intermission, guests will enjoy desserts from Taylor Made Gluten Free Bakery and, for those of age, wine from Perrine Winery. The Admission price for the gala dinner is $35 and begins at 6:00pm. Attendees must purchase their tickets by Friday, February 14.
The show will continue into the weekend, showing both Friday, February 21 at 7:00pm and Saturday, February 22 at 7:00pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students with a student ID. There will also be a free showing Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm.
