H.M.S. Pinafore
or The Lass Who Loved a Sailor
Each year, our 8th grade class presents a full-scale production of one of Gilbert & Sullivan's classic operettas. After learning their lines, blocking and choreography, rehearsing, helping build the sets, props and costumes, creating publicity and everything else, the students take the show on the road. For a week, our 8th graders tour the show to the San Juan islands, performing in schools, community centers and residential care facilities. Its definately a lot of work, and it is definately worth it!
H.M.S. PINAFORE: The Plot Summary
While the H.M.S Pinafore is anchored at Portsmouth, Little Buttercup, a bumboat woman, tries to sell her goods to the sailors. It is soon revealed that one of the sailors, Ralph Rackstraw, is hopelessly in love with the Captain's daughter, Josephine. She however, is betrothed to the wealthy Sir Joseph Porter. Nevertheless, Josephine expresses her love for Ralph and wants to elope-scandalous due to their class differences. Meanwhile, Buttercup has fallen in love with the Captain, but he cannot return her love because of their difference in status. In the end, it is revealed that the Captain and Ralph had accidentally been exchanged at birth. Thus, the Captain can now marry Buttercup and Ralph can marry Josephine.
Useful Links
Gilbert & Sullivan Archive
Everything you could possibly want to know about Gilbert & Sullivan - includes a full resource page on H.M.S. Pinafore.
HMS Pinafore Glossary
What, exactly are "jacky" and "polonies"?
Themes of H.M.S. Pinafore
This site explores the themes and comic devices - pretty cool stuff.(beware of pop-ups though)
H.M.S. Pinafore - a more in-depth Character Breakdown
Beware - lots of pop-ups on this link
Victorian Station
Info about Victorian Life...check out the Ettiquette part!
Victorian Fashions
Fun Clothes for Hip Guys and Gals
VIctorian Web
For those of you who REALLY want to learn EVERYTHING about the VIctorian Era (this is actually a great resource site)
Alternative words to your favorite songs
H.M.S. Dumbledore
A Sorcerer's Stone musical based on H.M.S. Pinafore
