Transit of Venice

by David Anthony Fox

opera

Here's a how-de-do!

Okay, wrong operetta — but attention should still be paid.

Philadelphia's Savoy Company, a venerable (105 years old and counting) institution of amateur volunteers devoted to performing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, is stepping up to the plate with The Gondoliers.

This late-career work (12th in their series of operettas) is one of G&S's most enchanting — heavy on dance and broad comedy, but keeping intact many of their favorite themes. You'll find mind-numbingly stupid aristocrats; clever, upwardly mobile plebes; and enough crazy turns and twists for a half-dozen Marx Brothers movies. In the end, of course, class distinctions will be detonated and true love rewarded. What's a fantasy opera for, after all?

Throughout, there are the smashing G&S tunes and lyrics, satirizing Rossini, Mendelssohn and any number of others. From the dizzy patter of the Duke of Plaza-Toro ("In enterprise of martial kind") to the balm of romance ("Take a pair of sparkling eyes," a favorite G&S tune), it's a delight from start to finish.

Best of all, buying a ticket to The Gondoliers supports several charitable causes, including Children's Aid Society of Philadelphia, Family Support Services, Inc., the American Cancer Society Childhood Cancer Program and more.

So, whether you choose to attend The Gondoliers in city splendor (at the Academy of Music) or rural beauty (Longwood Gardens), you'll be helping others while doing yourself a favor.

The Gondoliers, Savoy Company, Fri., May 27 and Sat., May 28, 8 p.m., Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts.; June 10 and 11, 8:30 p.m., Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. Tickets are $10-$46 and are available by calling 215-735-7161 or visiting www.savoy.org.