Peoria Players Theatre continues its season with a production of “The Pirates of Penzance,” Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta that brings together orphans, musical pirates and a modern major-general. Stan Strickler has this review for Peoria Public Radio and the Live Theatre League of Peoria. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer, not those of Peoria Public Radio or the Live Theatre League.
Do you remember when Victoria was Queen and the sun never set on the British Empire and all was right with the world? Neither do I. But Peoria Players has recreated that world for us with its latest production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, a frothy light hearted romp that is as sparkling as champagne and as sweet as marshmallow fudge.
No need to fear these pirates, for they have never won a battle. They are too soft hearted, always giving up the fight should anyone declare themselves an orphan. The story revolves around Frederic an apprentice to the Pirate King and his band of fellow pirates. Naturally, Frederic falls in love with the lovely Mabel and wants to marry her immediately. However, he is a pirate and must stay a pirate even after his apprenticeship is supposedly over. But in the end, relationships untangle themselves and everyone ends up happily ever after.
Because this is a light hearted comedy all of the characters are stock characters who must be played a little over the top. Bringing just the right note to his role as the Pirate King, Lee Wenger struts about on stage looking menacing, but never too threatening -- especially in his song, “I am the Pirate King.” Also adding to the humor is Stephen Post as the modern major general who knows a lot about everything except how to be a great military commander. His song, “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General” is a standout performance that closes act one.
Also outstanding are Shirley Salazar as Ruth the maid, and Seth Katz as the Sergeant of Police. They both have powerful voices and bring a great comic touch to their parts. I especially liked Salazar’s interpretation of the song “ When Fred’ric was a Little Lad” as she tries to explain why he is a pirate. And Katz struts around the stage looking as if he knows what is going on, while seeming very bumbling. Mina Vogel as Mabel has a very powerful voice and a sweet stage presence as the ingénue, the object of Frederic’s attention.
All in all, the cast is quite capable and the evening was very enjoyable. Director Laura Garfinkel is to be commended in staging this lively romp. Denise Adams’s experience with Gilbert and Sullivan over the years shows as she lead the cast in a lively production with a small orchestra. The set design by Julie Wasson was functional, with the bow of a ship in the first act and an outdoor scene in the second. The orchestra was quite good, but it did get a little shrill for these old ears during the overture.
All in all this production of Pirates of Penzance was delightful. It was light hearted and comically fun and should not be missed.
“The Pirates of Penzance” continues Thursday through Sunday at Peoria Players Theatre. More information is available at peoriaplayers.org.