I would have to say that the Gilbert and Sullivan Players are for Gilbert and Sullivan fans only, who on a matinee seem to be old people and parents wishing to instill a love for the theater in their young children – with mixed results. Seriously, anyone not knowing what they're in for: the repetitive sing songy tunes and pun based humor will not be pleased. I know a few friends that probably would have killed me for taking them.
If you are ready for some silly fun, however, continue on. The cast, consisting of the Vicar of Dibley, Paul Stanley, and my friend Julia's husband Edward, or at least actors that closely resemble them, were charming in this straight forward and tame performance of Pirates of Penzance. The Major General, however was the crowd favorite – garnering particularly enthusiastic applause for the impressive “Model of a Major General” song.
Unfortunately, the only drawback is that you may have to strain to see the actors at all, or at least view them through a shadowy veil of thinning hair. The NY City Center is a lovely theater which was built in 1923 as a meeting hall for the members of the Ancient Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine -?but the mezzanine seats were not quite elevated enough each row to make viewing easy.
But what do you think?