NYC actors fan operatic flames in Pittsfield

Try to imagine Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” staged with a “Star Trek” theme. Or “Trial By Jury” with a “Bride of Dracula” motif. The Popular Opera of Pittsfield, a company that brings together actors from New York and Pittsfield, has taken such innovative approaches with G&S operas in the past few years. The result has been a mutually satisfying relationship between the performers and an exciting theater experience for Maine audiences.

The group, affectionately called POoP, will perform “The Mikado” this weekend at Lakewood Theater in Madison. And, if you’re a G&S-aholic, like so many Mainers are, the event promises to be an intoxicating evening of traditional comic opera with a contemporary twist.

The popularity of G&S operas is, of course, unparalleled, but this is not the only reason the POoP ensemble has such a good time putting together their productions. Each year, professional actors from New York, several of whom hail from the world-famous New York Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, come to Pittsfield to perform, participate in a theater camp, and find a respite from the heat and rigors of city life.

The group is the brainchild of French hornist and Pittsfield native, Stephen Quint, who works as a musician in New York City. Hoping to offer New York actors a place to practice their craft in a less expensive and more relaxing setting, Quint has created a theater rapport between Pittsfield and New York that offers opportunities for G&S groupies from both states.

Although Maine performers are not cast in lead roles, they make up the chorus and, this year, the 16-piece orchestra consists entirely of Maine musicians. Oskar Feichtinger, violist for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and professor of music at the University of Maine, has performed with the orchestra for two seasons and described the troupe as “thoroughly professional … working with them is an unqualified pleasure.”

New York actor Keith Jurosko, who has been in all but one of the POoP productions, returned the compliment and spoke highly of local performers. “I enjoy working with the local people who are invariably wonderfully prepared.”

“The Mikado” will be performed at 8 p.m. Aug. 23-25 at the Lakewood Theater in Madison. For information, call 474-7176 or 474-5253.