Every well-rounded theatergoer should see at least one Gilbert and Sullivan production in their lifetime, and Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse is presenting a delightful opportunity to do so. Its robust production of The Pirates of Penzance runs through June 21.
Perhaps W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s most-produced piece, the comic opera debuted in New York in 1879 and remains a favorite of light opera companies and adventuresome community theaters. The demands of costume, set, music and especially voice make it somewhat of a gamble for a non-operatically inclined company—but if done correctly, it can pay off with very satisfied audiences.
The five principal roles are double-cast in this production. The “Bones” cast features Aidan Cumming, Caroline Flett, Drew Bolander, Ginger Beavers and Ted C. Smith. The “Skull” cast includes Andrew Cedeño, Nicole Stanley, Skyler King, Laura Downing-Lee and Tim Setzer. While I attended a performance with the “Bones” cast, the caliber of talent in both groups would lead one to expect similarly high-quality performances.
Pirates is the tale of young Frederick (Cumming) who, on his impending 21st birthday, will end his indentured apprenticeship with a rather inept band of pirates led by the Pirate King (Bolander). Frederick looks forward to his return to respectable society—and the extermination of his former employers.
Their undiscoverable pirate’s lair is soon found by a group of giddy girls who all turn out to be the daughters of Major-General Stanley (Smith). The eldest, Mabel (Flett), and Frederick quickly fall in love. But before wedding bells can ring, a complication arises: It seems Frederick’s apprenticeship may not be over after all.
Co-directors and choreographers Jonathen Blue and Emily Lynn Cornelius and music director Les Pfützenreuter do yeoman’s work in bringing this colorful tale to life. The same goes for costume designer Donnie Frank, lighting designer April George, and co-scenic designers Aissa Simbulan and Peter Crompton. The show looks and sounds great.
The leads all deliver strong vocals and clearly defined comic characterizations, with Beavers gloriously chewing the scenery as Frederick’s nursemaid, Ruth. The production is also supported by a strong ensemble and an excellent seven-piece orchestra.
What ought one do? Join a rollicking band of pirates and two young lovers for this very entertaining show! And bring the kids—it’s a great introduction to the magic of theater.
Yo-ho-ho.‘The Pirates of Penzance’ runs through June 21 in the GK Hardt Theatre at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. Thu–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $29–$56. 707.523.4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com
Well done Harry. Great review.