My mother loves Gilbert & Sullivan's operas. It goes back to her high school days when she was in “The Mikado” so it was a real treat to bring her along to see the DVO's wonderful rendition of “H.M.S. Pinafore”. I didn't know how much Gilbert & Sullivan she knew until she was singing along in the seat next to me.

“H.M.S Pinafore” like most of Gilbert & Sullivan's operas is a comedy that features two star-crossed lovers, Josephine (Elise Mark) and Ralph Rackstraw (Cole Tornberg), who can't be together because of society's rules. They are aided by Rackstraw's messmates and Little Buttercup (Mary Burkart), challenged by Josephine's father Captain Corcoran (Seán Kroll), Ralph's fellow sailor Dick Deadeye (Adam Cioffari) and Josephine's wealthy and accomplished suitor Sir Joseph Porter (Nicholas Wuehrmann - also director), and surprised by the sudden changes life can bring.

I took a class in satire at college on the use of satire in Gilbert & Sullivan's operas, and the “Pinafore” enjoyed poking fun at how one's birth into one social class seemingly defined what you could do and who you could marry in the late 1800s. It may be shocking now, but social class was much more defined between the haves and the have-nots when the musical first premiered.

Mark is angelic and comedic as Josephine, the “gallant captain's daughter” confused by her feelings for a lowly sailor. Her angelic voice soars when she hits her high notes, and she sings a wonderfully funny song with both Kroll and Wuehrmann.

I was lucky enough to see Tornberg as Tamino in the DVO's “The Magic Flute” last summer, and he doesn't disappoint here. He has one of the most beautiful voices I've heard, with wonderful control and is the epitome of the romantic lead. I'd challenge anyone seeing the production to not fall in love with his Ralph by the end of the show.

Seán Kroll as Captain Corcoran played up his comedic moments with his powerful voice, and his scenes with Mary Burkart as Little Buttercup were lovely. Burkart's Buttercup reminded me of Eliza Doolittle from “My Fair Lady” and her songs were carried by her sweet voice and mischievous smile.

Director Nicholas Wuehrmann was wonderfully funny as Sir Joseph Porter and his harmonies with Kroll were splendid. I also loved his interaction with his character's sisters/cousins/aunts including Cousin Hebe (Carol Diefenbach).

The sailors of the H.M.S. Pinafore carried the show with their harmonies as Rackstraw's accomplices and friends. Standout performances were delivered by Brandon Sparkman and John Tobey Jr. And Adam Cioffari stole the show with is villain Dick Deadeye. He was funny, slightly evil and his bass-baritone voice sent chills down my spine.

Complete with a seaworthy set, beautiful costumes, and all the “tra-la-las” you'd desire (my mother assures me these are very important for a Gilbert & Sullivan opera) the “H.M.S. Pinafore” is not a show to miss!

Gilbert & Sullivan's “H.M.S. Pinafore” will be playing at the Tusten Theater, 210 Bridge St. Narrowsburg, NY, on Saturday August 24th at 8 pm and Sunday August 25th at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at www.delawarevalleyopera.com.