By Mark Harris

On Oct. 14, the first Saturday performance of the Pittsburgh Savoyards production of H.M.S. Pinafore at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, resident Music Director Guy Russo has revealed the identity of the secret special guest playing Sir Joseph Porter on select days: himself.

As the crew of the Pinafore and Sir Joseph’s gaggle of sisters, cousins, and aunts eagerly awaited his arrival onboard, the entrance music simply repeated over and over again with no Sir Joseph to be seen. The audience began to mirror the confusion of the characters onstage until the spotlight fell on Russo.

Looking up, Russo passed the baton to Assistant Conductor Eddie Leonard, threw on his admiral jacket and hat, walked up onstage to the sound of ecstatic applause, and with grace and authority proceeded to make sure everyone in the room knew that he was the “Monarch of the Sea” that night.

Russo’s performance of the iconic Gilbert and Sullivan role was established as a special treat for the company’s celebration of 80 seasons of bringing Gilbert and Sullivan performances to the Pittsburgh Area.

Those who missed Russo’s performance can see him perform the role on Thursday Oct. 19 at 8pm and Friday Oct. 20 at 8pm. Tickets can be bought online or at the door. A special rate is offered to online buyers for the Thursday night performance. For online-only ticket purchases, theatre-goers will receive $5 off of their ticket.

By Mark Harris

The Pittsburgh Savoyards have a special guest performing the iconic role of Sir Joseph Porter in Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic H.M.S. Pinafore, opening this Friday. The special guest joins the cast onboard the Pinafore on the Oct. 14, 19, and 20 show dates as part of the theatre company’s 80th season celebration.

To the excitement of longtime patrons of the company, the gentleman performing the role for three out of the seven shows is an individual who has been on the Savoyards stage before. When asked to give some hints about this man’s identity, newly-elected Pittsburgh Savoyards President Andrea Carriker assured that he is “someone beloved by all Pittsburgh Savoyards, past and present.”

“He actually approached me and one or two others with the idea really early on, way before auditions,” Carriker said.  “I was thrilled and hopeful.  At some point [Stage Director Shane Valenzi] was approached with the idea, and after auditions it was decided that it would be a really fun direction to go in.  Even though he did originally approach us, it did take a little coaxing.”

Carriker predicts the experience to be fun for everyone in the audience to witness the special guest’s entrance on to the stage.

“He is an amazing actor and singer, and we are just so lucky to have him on our stage once again!”

H.M.S. Pinafore opens this Friday at 8pm at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Ave, Carnegie, PA 15106. The production runs from Oct. 13-15 and Oct. 19-22. It is directed by Shane Valenzi, and resident Music Director and Conductor Guy Russo will lead the ensemble and orchestra. All shows begin at 8pm except on Sundays, which begin at 2:30pm. People interested in tickets can buy tickets online and learn more about special 80th season celebration events. Tickets will also be available at the box office.