West Seattle performer Scott Bessho from Highland Park, left, hams it up with KIRO-FM radio legend Dave Ross during a musical number at the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society fundraiser held at Crown Hill Center March 25 & 26, the former grade school. The organization built a rehearsal space, prop room and workshop and lease the space. It was a sell-out crowd both nights.
Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society performers treated two sell-out audiences to 20 songs, mostly G&S efforts. during each of the two- night, March 25 & 26, fundraising galas "Gillbert & Sullivan Just for Laughs" held at the Crown Hill Center gym where the organization now has a rehearsal and workshop space. Radio host Dave Ross, also a G&S performer hosted.
(Late correction: The Friday night fundraiser was held in the rehearsal space adjacent to the gym. The Saturday night fundraiser was held in the gym.)
Highland Park resident Scott Besscho has been a performer with the troupe for 10 years.
"This is my informal audition tonight," he told the West Seattle Herald during the March 26 gala. He lead the performance of "When the Night Wind Howls" from G&S's "Ruddigore".
He added, "I sang in the choir at Bellevue College, and was in musical theater at the Village Theater in Issaquah for years. I teach English at Bellevue College.
Set designer Nathan Rodda is from Normandy Park.
"We couldn't fit all the guests into our rehearsal space so we held the fundraiser both evenings here in the gym," Rodda said. The gym is adjacent to the rehearsal space.
Working lights and sound was popular Seattle folk singer Tom Colwell of the band Tom Colwell & The Southbound Odyssey. The band performed a Pete Seeger tribute on his 90th birthday at the Admiral Theater two years ago.
The Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society is promoting its performance of G&S's "Ruddigore" opening in mid-July at the Bagley Wright Theatre.
For tickets and general information visit: www.pattersong.org
