Washington Savoyards: A Legacy of Operetta in the Capital
The Washington Savoyards stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of light opera and musical theatre in the United States capital. Founded on a passion for the witty and whimsical works of Gilbert and Sullivan, the company has evolved from a local ensemble into a professionalized organization that draws talent from across the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1972 (originally as the Montgomery Savoyards).
- Specialization: Primarily known for Gilbert and Sullivan operas.
- Key Venues: Trinity Theatre, Duke Ellington Theatre, and the Atlas Performing Arts Center.
- Notable Alumnus: Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist.
- Expansion: Diversified repertoire beyond Gilbert and Sullivan starting in the 2004–2005 season.
From Montgomery to the Metropolitan Stage
The company began its journey in 1972 under the name Montgomery Savoyards. In its early years, the ensemble established its roots by performing in church halls and at Montgomery Blair High School. As the company grew, it became evident that its performers, musicians, and patrons were coming from all over the region. To reflect this broader reach, the organization officially changed its name to the Washington Savoyards in 1981.
The company's name is a tribute to the Savoy Theatre in London, the original home of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas in the 1880s and 1890s, which were presented by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company. This connection links the Washington ensemble to the global community of "Savoyards"—the dedicated aficionados and performers of these specific operettas.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Evolution of Venues and Repertoire
Over the decades, the Washington Savoyards migrated through several prestigious venues in the city. After leaving high school halls, they moved to the Trinity Theatre in Georgetown in 1982. By 1987, they transitioned to the Duke Ellington Theatre at the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, where they remained for ten years. In late 2006, the company found a new home at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast Washington.
While the company spent its first thirty years focusing exclusively on Gilbert and Sullivan, it began to expand its artistic horizons in the 2004–2005 season with the production of Jacques Offenbach's La Périchole. This marked the first non-Gilbert and Sullivan piece in their history. Following this shift, the company increased its output, typically producing at least three shows per season starting in 2005–2006.
Professional Growth and Community Support
The Washington Savoyards have consistently bridged the gap between amateur passion and professional excellence. The company recruits singers from among local opera and theatre professionals, as well as students from area universities. A significant milestone in their professionalization occurred in 2006, when the company first cast members of Actors Equity (the labor union representing professional actors and stage managers).
The company's artistic leadership has been shaped by key figures, including Audrey M. Shipp, who directed all productions from 1973 to 1995, and N. Thomas Pedersen, who served as artistic director from 2007 to 2012. Additionally, in 2004, the company was accepted into residency at Flashpoint, an arts incubator managed by the Cultural Development Corporation of Washington.
Beyond their primary theaters, the Savoyards have brought music to the public via the H Street Festival, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, and the Arts Club of Washington.
Funding and Notable Contributions
The sustainability of the Washington Savoyards has been made possible through a combination of ticket sales, program advertising, and generous support from individual donors and charitable foundations. Key contributors have included the Fund for Maryland's Future, the Sprenger-Lang Foundation, the MARPAT Foundation, the Meyer Foundation, and the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
The company has also attracted high-profile participants. In a notable 1986 production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience, Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist (who later became the Chief Justice of the United States) appeared on stage in the role of the Solicitor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Name | Montgomery Savoyards (1972–1981) |
| Primary Genre | Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas |
| First Non-G&S Work | La Périchole (Jacques Offenbach) |
| Current/Recent Home | Atlas Performing Arts Center |
| Key Artistic Directors | Audrey M. Shipp (1973–1995), N. Thomas Pedersen (2007–2012) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the company called the "Savoyards"?
The name refers to the Savoy Theatre in London, where the original Gilbert and Sullivan operas were performed in the late 19th century by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.
When did the company start performing works other than Gilbert and Sullivan?
The company expanded its repertoire during the 2004–2005 season with the production of Jacques Offenbach's La Périchole.
Who is the most notable non-professional performer to appear with the company?
Supreme Court Justice (and later Chief Justice) William Rehnquist performed as the Solicitor in the 1986 production of Patience.
Where is the company currently based?
The company moved to the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast Washington in late 2006.
How does the company source its performers?
The Washington Savoyards recruit a mix of professional opera and theatre artists based in the Washington area, as well as students from local universities.