AMBER MATTICE
Life & Arts Editor
Who doesn’t love an action-packed pirate story? No one, obviously, which is exactly why the Department of Theatre and Dance has chosen “Pirates of Penzance” by W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan as the next performance in the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series.
The absurd story will be brought to life in Marvel Theatre for the first time on March 31 at 7:30 p.m.
For Tom Loughlin, director of the show and recently retired chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, choosing “Pirates of Penzance” was an extensively thought-out decision that he feels will benefit the students the most.
“We are fortunate to have many talented performers, and it is a challenge to make sure they all get an opportunity to perform in a mainstage production. ‘Pirates of Penzance’ has three separate choruses: the pirates, the daughters and the constables. So I augmented each of these choruses to 12 members apiece along with the six lead roles to provide more opportunity for student actors,” said Loughlin. “Also, the music is challenging, as most of the show is sung, so it’s a great learning experience.”
There are more than 75 people working both on- and off-stage to ensure that the production runs as smoothly as possible.
Formal rehearsals began on Feb. 8, and students came with their lines and songs memorized already, as they have been working with voice teachers and choreographers since they received their roles.
“With learning our music, practicing dancing, memorizing lines, meeting with our scene partners to practice a fight scene, etc., there is always more to do. Even after opening, I am a firm believer a show can always get better,” said junior BFA musical theatre major Maeghan McDonald.
Off-stage, the pit orchestra, which is composed of 15 students, has also been working hard to learn the music as “Pirates of Penzance” poses a specific level of difficulty.
“[They] are challenged by their responsibility to be committed to the style of the music and not merely playing the notes off the page. Once they commit to the style, the phrasing and articulation (and humor) fall naturally into place,” said music director Ray Stewart. “This is a rather relishing spot to be in, as a musician, and the experience will prove invaluable to their performing career, in musical theatre or otherwise.”
Aside from the amount of work students are putting into the show, the storyline is sure to bring laughter and keep people on their toes. While the story balances on the line of madness, the characters, aside from being pirates, are unique and will all bring something worth seeing to the stage.
“We have fun in this production. Through all the singing, dancing, stage combat and dialogue, the audience is allowed to open up to having fun with us. Gilbert and Sullivan were the most successful in executing Savoy opera, Victorian-era comedy during their time,” said Zoe Kiriazis, a senior self-design major. “We are taking that seed of comedy [that] Gilbert and Sullivan were known for and running with it. Anything and everything happens in this production.” (Editor’s Note: Zoe Kiriazis is a staff writer for The Leader.)
If it weren’t for lack of piracy laws in Europe during the 1870s, “Pirates of Penzance” may never have made it over into America. The Department of Theatre and Dance is certainly taking advantage of that fact by bringing the show to Fredonia.
The shows that have been a part of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series this year have all put a new spin on traditional theatre and brought something for all students and community members to enjoy.
Everyone involved has enjoyed bringing something to the performance; from the costume and set design to the choreography, everyone is anxious to see it all come together and give the audience something to smile about.
“This time of the semester is known for its hectic and demanding nature campus-wide,” said sophomore BFA musical theatre major Julie Shapiro. “I hope that when students come to ‘Pirates,’ they will be able to escape from the stresses of school into a world of foolish pirates, ‘beautiful maidens,’ clumsy policemen, and, most importantly, rubber chickens.”
With the music, dramatic stage presence and ridiculous premise, this particularly unique performance is bound to be memorable and hilarious.
“Imagine a meal composed of nothing but cake, candy and ice cream — that’s what this show will be like. It is funny, silly, lighthearted entertainment — nothing serious, nothing heavy. We are having fun doing this show; the designers are having fun creating colorful sets, costumes and lights, and we think the fun we are having will spill out into the audience,” said Loughlin.
Aside from the opening date, the musical will be held on April 1 at 7:30 p.m., April 2 at 2 p.m. and April 6–8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 for students with ID and $30 for the general public.