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Herbert Wolff Reviews Barrington Stage's "The Pirates Of Penzance"

There were these two blokes in England, about 150 years ago…who started writing the stories and composing the music for what were at the time called comic operas.  Some of you are already ahead of me with the names of Gilbert and Sullivan.  And you are spot-on. 

The team of William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan spans more than 15 years of collaboration on a remarkable 14 such compositions that are still popular with audiences throughout the world.  But you need not look beyond Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to enjoy a top-notch production of one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved works….the spirited and fun-filled The Pirates of Penzance.

From the opening curtain, the energy and playfulness, along with cleverly designed scenery, prepare the audience for an enjoyable theater experience.  And this production by Barrington Stage Company has everything: a talented cast…creative staging and dance…exceptional pacing…fun costuming…fine balance between the orchestra and the vocalists, whether they be soloists or a full chorus...and the quality of singing one would expect on Broadway.

Indeed, the program notes indicate this Barrington Stage version is the same as presented on Broadway by Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival…a tough act to follow.  But, in many ways, this production is possibly more satisfying than what was on Broadway: a comfortable-sized theater, a set that reaches out to include the audience, and the expert guidance of the production’s director, John Rando – whose prior work with

Barrington Stage received rave reviews of On the Town when it opened in Manhattan.

The story is the zaniest of the Gilbert and Sullivan works.  It centers on a young pirate seaman, Frederic, whose indentured time as a pirate is almost – but not quite – over.  The only woman he has ever seen is his middle-aged nurse, and he senses he’s been missing something.  When the ship docks, Frederic spies a bevy of young, beautiful girls frolicking, and…well, he suspects his life at sea has lacked something.  He immediately falls in love with Mabel, whose father is a military leader…as a matter of fact, in song we learn he is “the very model of a modern major general.”

One could name each of the 22 cast members for their excellence in vocal and acting abilities, but the work of several of the leads was particularly memorable.  The magnificent presence and voice of Will Swenson as the Pirate King, the polished enchanting performance of David Garrison as the Major General, the jewel-like tones of Scarlett Strallen as Mabel, the warm comedic charm Jane Carr as the former nurse-maid.  And, the incredible movements and vocal finesse of Alex Gibson as a police Sergeant.

The Pirates of Penzance plays in all its frolicsome glory now through August 13, at Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Herbert Wolff studied under the guidance of Lee Strasberg and subsequently had roles with summer theater companies in upstate New York and on live television. He is former vice president of International Television Association and former Chairman of Massachusetts Advisory Council on Scientific and Technical Education. Herb continues to write, direct and appear in stage plays. For over 25 years he has been an on-air reviewer of theater and opera productions for WAMC Northeast Public Radio.

The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.

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