Virtual Britsburgh Live: Gilbert & Sullivan - The show that broke them...The Grand Duke

Virtual Britsburgh Live presents.... 

Gilbert & Sullivan - The show that broke them...The Grand Duke

Gilbert & Sullivan were one of the greatest duos of all time...until they weren’t. Their partnership was peppered with petty feuds for years, until in 1890, the infamous Carpet Quarrel broke the pair apart. After that, they wrote only two more operas together, the last of which was the only financial failure in their joined career: The Grand Duke. Both of them were decidedly unhappy with it, critics were underwhelmed by it, companies avoided producing it...and yet today, the Grand Duke has achieved “cult classic” status amongst Gilbert & Sullivan fans!

How? Join stage director Robert Hockenberry and comedic actor Andy Hickly to find out, as they delve into the history of Gilbert & Sullivan’s writing process, the Savoy Theatre, their use of stock characterization, and the process of adapting, directing, and acting out a famous flop turned fan favorite 100 years later! Grab a sausage roll and listen in!

Robert Hockenberry has directed for the Pittsburgh Savoyards, Comtra Theatre, IUP Theatre, Indiana Players, Inc., McKeeport Little Theatre, and the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival. He is a writer and is currently the resident technical director of the Pittsburgh Savoyards. Educated at Point Park University’s Conservatory of the Performing Arts and Indiana University of PA, he brings a wealth of musical theatre and direction to the stage.

The Pittsburgh Savoyards have been offering entertainment to the greater Pittsburgh area for 82 years and during this difficult time, are looking to support our artists with online events, small productions and classes.

About Virtual Britsburgh Live

Starved of theatre, literature, cultural activities? Yes? Good then this is for you. Britsburgh is talking its activities into the virtual realm! In a series of live events in the coming weeks streamed online using the Zoom Video Conference App, you will experience aspects of theatre, readings, history, interviews and more. Once you log on, your Virtual Host will make sure you can see and hear us, but we can’t hear or see you. The events are live and the experience is remarkable!

How to watch Virtual Britsburgh Live?

1. Register for the event - It's free!
2. Donate what you can. We suggest $10 per person. Donations received during registration will be split 20% Pittsburgh Food Bank; 80% to the Pittsburgh Savoyards to support their artists.   Registered and forgot to donate? No worries click here. Thanks
3. During this difficult time Britsburgh will give all money collected to those in need. However, if you like what we are doing we ask you to consider becoming a Britsburgh member that will help us through the next year.
4. You will receive a registration confirmation with a link to the event and a password.
5. We suggest you join the event 10 minutes before the event start time. You will be placed into a waiting room where you event host will check you against your registration. If you have not registered you won't be allowed into the event.
6. The audience will be able to watch but your event host will make sure we can't see or hear you. If you wish to ask a question you can do so by using the chat function or in the Q&A section you can raise your hand and the host will unmute you.
7. Adjust your Zoom settings. To fully enjoy the performance you will need to adjust the settings on the Zoom app so you can only see the performers, and not the whole audience. Here are the instructions on how to do it. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure everyone is ready before starting the event! 
8. IMPORTANT: Please make sure your Zoom name is your full name so that you can be ticked off the registration list. If the host cannot identify you, you will not be allowed into the event! Watch this 1 min video instructions on how to do it.

This presentation is open to everyone.

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of the Britsburgh Society. Society members enjoy our Britsburgh Arts Society, the Britsburgh Beer Society, the Britsburgh History Society, the Britsburgh Literary Society and the Britsburgh Tea Society. If you are not already a member, I would like to invite you to consider becoming a Britsburgh Society member. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.

THE BRITSBURGH TEAM