Opera workshop successfully performs “Trial by Jury”

Dancers and singers came together this past weekend in a production of Arthur Gilbert & W. S. Sullivan’s “Trial by Jury.”

The opera tells of a tumultuous relationship between a bride and groom, the latter of whom leaves his marriage at the altar.

Desperate for his affections but still reeling from her loss, the bride and her bridesmaids enter into an absurd court case where she attempts to sue the groom for her distress.

Being a classical work, the setting is placed around the mid-1800s in London.

This gave the cast and audience a chance to explore stage works from the late 19th century, which are undoubtedly different from that of the modern day.

Durran Thompson, SJU junior, played the usher, who tries to maintain peace in the courtroom.

“What I enjoyed most about the experience was meeting new people and being able to push my singing capabilities,” Thompson said, “It made me branch out from the typical ‘Accounting and Finance’ world and made me see how much work, time and effort must go into a theatrical musical at the school.”

“Trial by Jury” was directed by David DeBlieck and Irina Stene, and included cast members Danielle Anderson, Nathan Beal, Ethan Carson, Elizabeth Christman, Tanavia Gilbert, Mearan Girgen, Michael Kennedy, Abbie Kluiter, Clare Lamb, Luis Martinez Mejia, Olivia Schleper and Durran Thompson.

Additionally, dancers Lizbet Martinez-Port, Jazmin Meza and Geonn Taylor participated in the work, as well as orchestra members Sophie Hazen, Erin Kammueller, Lily Simms and Marleigh Van Dellen.