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One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular and endearing musicals, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE was first performed in 1879.
Most everybody knows the fun story that is the PIRATES. It features a motley crew of characters. They include some not very fearsome pirates, a handsome Frederic with his beloved Mabel, an officious but kind hearted Major-General and his bevy of beautiful women, and a group of bumbling police.
Jody Rose’s production was very entertaining. The energy was great as the cast revelled in the comic mayhem on stage. It was an interesting choice to have one of the principal roles of the handsome Frederic played by a woman, very effectively played by Hannah Reid.
There were other favourite performances amongst a good cast. Clare Gerber was fantastic as the Pirate King. Bridget Patterson showcased her wonderful operatic voice and was a radiant presence as Frederic’s flame, Mabel. Jake Nelson was great fun as Major General Stanley. Nine year old actress Matilda Munt was a joy as one of the bumbling police officers.
Musical Director and conductor Jim Coyle came up with a new arrangement of the score which worked well.
It was observing the very enthusiastic Coyle interact directly with the cast. At one point he comes on stage to join the cast. At another time he instructs the cast to perform the song one more time which they do with great zeal.
I, along with rest of the audience, I am sure, enjoyed the laidback, relaxed set up of the conductor and his musicians around the lip of the stage.
Designers Alex Cotton and Susan Boyle came up with a good look for the production; the set is an elegant island backdrop and the costumes are lovely.
The largish cast moved around the stage with verve and zest due to the work of choreographer Lisa Frisina.
The two hour show, including one twenty minute interval, raced by, and we left the theatre with our spirits uplifted. There’s nothing quite like a good production of a Gilbert and Sullivan musical.
Mosman Musical Society’s production of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE is in its final week and will play Thursday 27 April at 7.30pm, Friday 28 April at 7.30pm, Saturday 29 April at 2pm and 7.30pm at the Zenith Theatre, Corner McIntosh and Railway Streets, Chatswood.
Featured image : The pirates -Clare Gerber as the Pirate King and Pirates Sasha Dance, Ankit Kapoor, (Clare) Henry Inglis and Ben Sullivan