By Perry S. Whitehair
Pirates of Penzance tells the story of an overly duty bound 21-year-old Frederic (Edward Brennan) who was indentured to the Pirate King (Ezekiel Andrew.) Frederic decides to renounce his pirating ways and is determined to eliminate the pirate band. He gets off the ship on a “deserted beach” that is soon over-run with young women – Major General Stanley’s daughters. Frederic soon falls in love with Mabel (Oliva Yokers.) Meanwhile, the Pirate King and Frederic’s former nurse Ruth (Cabiria Jacobsen) discover a loophole in Frederic’s indenture contract – Frederic was born on February 29, meaning even though he had lived 21 years, he had not yet reached his 21st birthday as the contract dictates. One of the best songs in the show, “Leap Day Paradox,” explains this great plotline.
As a technical theater professional, I found the sound mixing/design (Carl J Whitaker) simply fantastic. I heard the live orchestra and the performers equally well. Lighting design (Chris Wood) was equally impressive. The color and texture used through lighting was incredible. The use of the “gobos” (a metal sheet put in front of the light to create shadows of shapes on the stage) to set the mood at the beginning of Act Two is outstanding. The costume designer Amanda Profaizer continues the explosion of color in the sisters’ dresses and the pirates’ costumes. The wig/make-up designer Melyssa Swensen does an amazing job as well. The set design by Robert Bert was–how to describe that set – is nothing short of stunning. It is versatile, going from pirate ship to beach to ruined chapel easily. The Act Two opening is simply breathtaking. The unsung hero of every show has to be the stage manager (Ashley J Pollard). When a show goes well and runs like clockwork (as this one does) it is the sign of a job well done.
The Pirate King (Andrew) and his lieutenant Samuel (Markel Reed) are hysterical, lots of delightful physical comedy and energy. Anytime they are on the stage, she was watching them to see what they would do next. I loved Frederic’s (Brennan) acting style. You could see how his character progresses through the course of the show. We enjoyed the meticulousness of “Modern Major General” (Curt Olds as Major General Stanley.) The lyrics are sung precisely. In many versions of this song, the words were strung together (in order to be fast) so badly that they were unintelligible. This version does not fall prey to that at all.
A special shout out has to go to Kevin Nakatani who plays Sergeant of Police. His comedic timing is impeccable, both the second act (as Sergeant of Police) and in his antics opening the show – taking you from what looks to be an opening for HMS Pinafore to a pirate ship and all in a mad scramble.
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Overall, this show is a crisp, clean production and is well worth the trip to Logan to see. There is enough fun and action for tweens and up to enjoy. For all who fancy themselves swashbuckling wannabes, or anyone who loves fun, energetic, magnificence onstage, don’t miss Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater’s Pirates of Penzance.
Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater presents Pirates of Penzance – Music by Arthur Sullivan, Libretto by W. S. Gilbert
Ellen Eccles Theater, 43 S Main Street, Logan, UT 84321
July 14, 20, Aug 4, 9 1:00 PM, July 22, 28 7:30 PM
Tickets: $13.00-77.00
Contact: 435-750-0300/800-262-0074, in person at the box office, 59 South 100 West Logan, Utah 84321 or online
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