Each show is approached with a fresh eye and is set in a period in accordance with the stage director’s vision. Sets and costumes are created each year with a view to achieving that vision.
We perform in and around the Montreal area, and have travelled as far as Philadelphia, participating in the American chapter of the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. Other venues have included St. Johnsbury VT, Trenton ON, Belleville ON, Knowlton QC and Lac Brome QC. In Montreal, we have performed at the Royal Vale Theatre, West Hill Theatre, D.B. Clarke Theatre of Concordia University, Montreal West United Church, St. James Club (Montreal West Rotary Club), McCord Museum, Montreal West Town Hall (Montreal West Travel Club).
Haskell Opera House
In addition to their annual Montreal presentation, the Montreal West Operatic Society have been performing at the Haskell Opera House that straddles Stanstead QC and Derby Line VT for nearly 25 years and plan to do so for quite some time to come!
Refurbished in time for its 100th anniversary in 2001, the Haskell Opera House is a scale version of the old Boston Opera House which was destroyed by fire at the beginning of the century, itself a replica of an opera house in Britain. Use of its antique drops and front drape are strictly regulated because they are the only surviving works in the world of the original resident set designer. Its warm, intimate atmosphere and near-perfect acoustics make it a wonderful place both for performer and patron.
Performing at the Haskell Opera House is somewhat challenging as it literally sits directly on the Canadian-U.S. Border. The audience is divided by the border. The stage itself sits on the Canadian side together with about 1/3 of the audience. The rest of the audience sits in the United States. Patrons who are observant will see the dividing line on the floor of the theatre.
Hail Unity concerts
In 2008, the three Gilbert and Sullivan societies of Montreal, Montreal West Operatic Society, Lakeshore Light Opera, and the McGill Savoy Society, teamed up to present a joint concert for the first time. Savoy initiated this event, but all are very enthusiastic about getting the word out about Gilbert & Sullivan and the wonderful contributions they made to the world of comic operetta. The first concert was held January 18, 2008 at St. George's Church in downtown Montreal and is becoming an annual tradition. Funds raised at the concert are divided equally among each society for contribution to their usual charity.