Only Idle Chatter from Gilbert and Sullivan Austin

"Only Idle Chatter" contains over 65 texts ranging from historical insights to production details, from personal reflections to high-spirited entertainments. They are reprinted substantially as they appeared in Gilbert & Sullivan Austin newsletters and programs from 2010 to 2020 and were designed to create interest in playgoers new to Gilbert & Sullivan as well as to engage seasoned Savoyards. President Emerita Libby Weed provides a foreword, and Ralph MacPhail, Jr., adds an introduction with acknowledgments, notes on the texts for which there was no room in their original, ephemeral publication, and an extensive list of references and suggestions for further reading. "Everyone will learn something new from the apparently ephemeral pieces in this book. They are full of insight and understanding and, above all, joy." --Andrew Crowther, author of "Gilbert of Gilbert & Sullivan" and "Contradiction Contradicted"; Secretary, The W. S. Gilbert Society "An enjoyable read, 'Only Idle Chatter' is an interesting and above all affectionate insight into the art of effectively, and with honesty, producing a Gilbert script. From practical backstage traffic control issues to the touchier matters of navigating outdated or obscure references, MacPhail lets us in on the research and thought required for understanding a Savoy opera, without getting bogged down in academic detail or minutiae." --Dr. Jeffrey Jones-Ragona, Music Director and Conductor, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin "Ralph MacPhail, Jr., combines deep knowledge about Gilbert and Sullivan and their works with an erudite yet accessible writing style. His descriptions and analyses enhance the enjoyment that G&S provides to even the casual Savoyard." --Diane Radin, President, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin "In 'Only Idle Chatter, ' Ralph MacPhail, Jr., brings unassuming expertise and a good-natured humor to his treatment of 10 Savoy operas and seven G&S-related rarities." --Gayden Wren, author of "A Most Ingenious Paradox: The Art of Gilbert & Sullivan"

Ralph MacPhail, Jr., staged productions for Gilbert & Sullivan Austin starting in 1998, was named the company's first Artistic Director in 2005, and became Artistic Director Emeritus in 2021. He continues to write for "The Austin Savoyard," consult with GSA, and treasure his Austin friendships. He taught and directed theatre for 33 years at Bridgewater College of Virginia. Still living in Bridgewater "in retirement," he continues to study and write about the Savoy operas, collect anything and everything relating to those remarkable works, and enjoy corresponding with fellow Savoyards. He is in the process of giving his collection of Gilbert & Sullivan-related books, media, memorabilia, and papers to the Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute at the Ohio State University.