The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players production of Patiencegives us a great chance to see this rather silly gem about romance sought and spurned, performed by their lively, enthusiastic, company of excellent singer/actors, with lovely (in looks and voice) Sarah Caldwell Smith in the title role. With James Mills as the fey poet Reginald, David Macaluso as Archibald, whom women can’t help loving, Caitlin Burke as the large, sensible Lady Jane, and the ensemble of lovesick maidens and sturdy cadets, all fine singers, it’s a very entertaining trip.
With imaginative (though classic) costumes by Gail J. Wofford and a working set by Lou Anne Gilleland for the large cast, director Albert Bergeret and his co-director/choreographer David Auxier have once again found the visual humor in the work as well as the lyrical in the rhymed verses. Physical expressions through gesture give a wonderfully comic dimension to the work. It's a totally delightful show, performed by a terrific company.
