Theatre lovers, unite! Tickets are still available for the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston's summer production of The Gondoliers, marking the company's 75th season. The production is momentous, as The Gondoliers marked the Society's very first performance in 1952 and was the first production ever staged in the Cullen Theater at the Wortham Theater Center, which is celebrating its 40^th season.

With performances slated for July 18–19 and July 25–26 at the Cullen Theater in the Wortham Theater Center, the show features gifted theater artists and musicians from Houston’s longest-running opera company, including Grant Peck as Marco and Sean Holshouser as Giuseppe Palmier. This year’s performances of The Gondoliers will be led by stage director Alyssa Weathersby, a Houston native and New York-based director, choreographer, and performer.

Set in Venice, the beloved comic operetta is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most celebrated works. The story follows two brothers, gondoliers who discover that one of them is the heir to a royal throne – but they aren’t sure which one. Theater-goers of all ages will love experiencing mystery, satire, romance, and comedy at every turn in the show. Welcomed back to the stage for the first time since 2017, the production showcases magical melodies and witty dialogue that will delight and enchant audiences, along with a whimsical set reminiscent of Candy Land and Chutes & Ladders.

Weathersby shared, “Our cast members are triple threats. This show demands not only singers and actors, but also dancers, similar to what you see in musical theater. It’s one of the reasons I love operetta; it really showcases talented performers.”

Music director Dr. Clifton Evans also returns for the Society’s 75th season. Having served as assistant conductor for three years before becoming music director for another five years, Dr. Evans has a passion for bringing live music to the world.

“Working with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston was a formative experience for me, and I’m thrilled to return for this milestone season,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this remarkable organization once again.”

Also joining the production as assistant music director is Gregory D. McDaniel, an accomplished conductor and educator who serves as the artistic director of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild and the Colton Conducting Fellow for the New Jersey Symphony. 

Tickets for The Gondoliers start at just $25 and are selling out quickly. Plan your evening out in Houston’s Theater District and purchase your tickets here.