The University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society, also known as UMGASS, is the oldest student-run Gilbert and Sullivan Society in the United States, established in 1947.
Lisa Barry speaks with two of this season’s directors, Lori Gould and Addy Geenen, about what it has been like to put together two upcoming productions virtually.
UMGASS typically produces two fully staged G&S productions a year, with orchestra, along with the occasional summer show. But this year’s spring productions will be online, due to the pandemic.
Although UMGASS is a student organization, both students and community members are involved in productions, and they are considered a "Town and Gown” company. A couple of the members started as grad students and have been involved on and off for at least 40 years. Also, one orchestra member has been continuously playing from the pit for at least 50 years!
The quality of their productions sets a high standard for community G&S companies, and their performances, particularly of the lesser-known works of the canon, are benchmarks for similar organizations around the country and the world.
UMGASS is proud to be a great place for future performing arts professionals (Tom Hulce to name one!), as well as a creative outlet for students, professors, and community members of all ages looking to blow off steam and have a good time participating in a great show!
UMGASS is made possible by the Friends of the University of Michigan Gilbert & Sullivan Society (FUMGASS).
This is the first time UMGASS has done a show online, as well as the first time with an international cast (3 continents, 4 countries) and the first time all directorial staff is all women!
This is Addy Geenan’s first semester with UMGASS.
Lori Gould has been a member for 28 years, backstage, in the chorus, leads, props, and directing.
**Special thanks to Paul Keller for providing the Art & Soul theme music.**
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu