Alice May: Gilbert & Sullivan's First Prima Donna / Edition 1

by Adrienne Simpson

Overview

This biography tells the story of Alice May, a touring prima donna in the nineteenth century who travelled from England to Australia, New Zealand, India and the US, taking part in pioneering performances of the popular light operas of the day. Along the way she took part in many premieres, including the first production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer and the first authorised American production of The Mikado . This colourful life story will appeal to theatre historians, fans of the melodrama, burlesque, and the musical stage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415937504
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/22/2003
Series:	Forgotten Stars of the Musical Theatre
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

Chapter One THE MYSTERIOUS MISS MAY Chapter Two GREEN GIRL IN A GOLDEN LAND Chapter Three NEW DIRECTIONS, NEW ROLES Chapter Four TOAST OF THE ANTIPODES Chapter Five INDIAN ADVENTURE Chapter six CROWNED WITH SUCCESS Chapter Seven WORKING FOR D’OYLY CARTE Chapter Eight ALLY PALLY TO THE ALHAMBRA Chapter Nine PRIMA DONNA IN THE PROVINCES Chapter Ten STARTING AFRESH IN AMERICA Chapter Eleven PLAYING THE CASINO Chapter Twelve “A PERFECT KATISHA” Chapter Thirteen DOWNWARD SPIRAL

Editorial Reviews

"This biography of a forgotten performer is doubly welcome as a reminder of the many other singers like her who have devoted their lives to pursuing the phantom of fame while bringing pleasure to their audiences." — Joe K. Law, The Open Quarterly

From the Publisher

Simpson (Opera's Farthest Frontier: A History of Professional Opera in New Zealand) here recounts the short but prominent life of Alice May. A native of England, she made her first appearance as the star of her singing teacher's opera troupe in Melbourne, Australia, in the 1870s. Soon after, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote her the part of Aline in The Sorcerer. May became one of the leading sopranos of the London stage before moving to New York and then to St. Louis, where alcoholism marked her descent and finally ended her life in 1887. As with most biographies, much of the background material is a bit tedious (not helped by the off-putting, self-centered introductory rant by series editor Kurt G nzl). But once the book attains full stride, it provides a revealing and fascinating glimpse into the music theater scene of Australia, India, England, and the United States at the end of the 19th century. No other profiles of May are available. Recommended for public and academic libraries.-Timothy J. McGee, Hastings, Ont. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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