What happens when a rollicking band of pirates meets a family of beautiful maidens and a model of a modern Major-General? Disguise, intrigue, honor, love, humor, music — it's all a part of Catawba College's upcoming production, "Pirates of Penzance," which sets sail at 6:55 p.m. Wednesday, November 14, and at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, November 15-17, in Keppel Auditorium.
"Pirates of Penzance" remains one of the most popular of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's musicals. Since its wildly successful opening in New York in 1879, it has been repeatedly produced, notably as a memorable Broadway revival that won several Tony awards and resulted in a movie, both starring Kevin Kline.
Catawba College's production of the satirical operetta emphasizes the excesses of Victorian society. "Pirates of Penzance" is subtitled "The Slave of Duty," reflecting the key ideals of honor and loyalty in Victorian ethics. Catawba Theatre Arts Professor, Dr. Beth Homan, who directs the production, seeks to question similar fundamental tenets of the American ideology, such as freedom and democracy, through the melodic mayhem of the convoluted "Pirates" plot.
In addition to Homan, David Hagy, conductor of the Salisbury Symphony, serves as music director, while Scott McLeod is the vocal coach and pianist Laurie Klaus is the rehearsal accompanist. Crew members include Jared Kenish of Glassboro, N.J., stage manager; Sara Scronce of Newton and Christine Shuster of Jackson, N.J., assistant stage managers; and Claire Alston of Kernersville, dramaturge.
Cast members include Justin Lewis of Knoxville, Tenn., as the Pirate King; Daniel Hines of Yorktown, Va., as Frederick; Jessica Taige of Wauwatosa, Wis., as Mabel; Brianna Smith of Austin, Texas, as Ruth; Michael Lasris of Seaford, Va., as the Major-General; and Paul Saylor of Isle of Palms, S.C., as the Sergeant. The Pirates include Matt Patrick of Trinity, Fla., as Sam; along with Sheldon Rogers of Waxhaw; Luke Robinson of Monroe; and Gracie Greenbaum of Tolland, Conn.; Sonny Kong of Matthews; Andy McCain of Mequon, Wis.; Mike Matthias of Georgetown, Del.; and Jordan Ellis of Shelby will double as a Pirate and a Cop. The Daughters include Guerin Piercy of Swannanoa as Kate; Caitlin Becka of Wilmington as Edith; Caitlin Springs of Santa Clara, Calif., as Isabel; Betsy Foster of Baltimore, Md.; Devon Currie of Jamestown; Nicole Bowles of Monroe; and Cecilia Runge of Milford, N.J.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for non-Catawba students and for senior citizens. For more information, please call the Catawba College Box Office at (704) 637-4481. Group rates are available.
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