“The Pirates of Penzance”. Written by W. S. Gilbert. Composed by Arthur Sullivan. Directed by James Mills. Musical Director Alex Gutierrez. Presented by College Light Opera Company (CLOC), Highfield Theatre, 58 Highfield Drive, Falmouth through June 21.
By Michele Markarian
If you’re looking to escape for a few hours with some lighthearted, humorous entertainment with a large dose of talent, do yourself a favor and head over to Highfield Theatre to see College Light Opera Company’s Pirates of Penzance. The enthusiasm of the college-aged cast, the brevity of James Mills’ direction, and the excellent orchestra under Alex Gutierrez make this production a joy to witness.
Frederic (Bennett Wright) has been apprenticed to a band of pirates by his hard-of-hearing nursemaid, Ruth (Emily Marino), who mistook the word “pilot” for “pirate”. Released of his duties on his 21st birthday, Frederic shakes off the advances of Ruth once he sets eyes on the young and beautiful Mabel (Haley Hudson), one of many daughters belonging to Major General Stanley (Eamon Arthur). A fracas ensues between the pirates and the General, and Frederic finds that due to a technicality, he must remain loyal to the pirates for many more years to come. A hilarious musical send-up of the Victorian ideal of duty, Pirates of Penzance remains wildly entertaining and, given our current political climate, remains relevant.
The cast is exceptional, both as vocalists and actors. Wright, as Frederic, projects both intelligence and naivete, with excellent comic timing and a solid grasp of the fourth wall. Marino is a standout as Ruth, embodying the aging woman’s desire to be desired. Hudson is luminous and sweet as Mabel, with a thrilling soprano that fills the theater. Arthur is wonderful as the Major-General, delighting the audience with a crisp rendition of “I am the very model of a modern Major-General”. He played the part so well that I thought he was an older actor brought in for the performance; his headshot and bio told me otherwise (kudos to Shelby Allred for her costume design). Harrison Gilberti and Aleksander Lipinski are a formidable and funny duo as the Pirate King and Samuel, his Lieutenant, and Jude Chiarella is expressive as the Sergeant of Police. Sam Terrell’s gorgeous lighting design provides the perfect backdrop for this buoyant cast, who are having such obvious fun onstage that it can’t help but spread to the audience.
College Light Opera Company was founded in 1969 to provide college-aged students from around the country with the opportunity to learn from working professionals to practice and perform their craft in all areas of theater production – Vocal Performance, Orchestra, Design and Production, Music Staff and Business Staff, producing nine musical and operettas each summer. I am certain that we will see many of those currently training working in front of the scenes, as well as behind the scenes, in future professional productions around the globe. You won’t want to miss this catchy Pirates! For tickets and a complete schedule of the season, please visit www.collegelightoperacompany.com
