Hale Centre Theatre
Presents Gilbert and Sullivan's
Pirates of Penzance
Charming Comedic Operetta Adapted to HCT’s Center Stage with Boldly Detailed Costumes, Complementary Choreography and “Happily Ever After” Ending.
Hale Centre Theatre (HCT), Utah’s premier family theatre, presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s popular comedic musical, “The Pirates of Penzance,” Aug. 10 through Sept. 25. A hysterical romp featuring operatic singing, pirates and tomfoolery, the show has entertained audiences for the past 130 years and continues to be a favorite.
Filled with outstanding vocals, HCT’s “The Pirates of Penzance” includes detailed costumes hand-crafted in boldly colored and patterned fabrics to lend unique flair to each character. The costumes are a vivid reflection of the upbeat and witty singing and dancing, which is the standout feature of the show. Keeping the focus on the music, HCT’s simple one-unit sets undergo a complete change during intermission to provide a new look and feel for each act. The show also includes a new “happily ever after” ending.
“Operas are typically stationary and meant for a stage with three back walls, but we’ve added some interesting choreography,” said director/choreographer Marilyn May Montgomery, who has worked on more than 50 HCT productions. “Even though the dancing is an added challenge for the actors as they sing, people will be blown away by their performance. Plus, our version allows the audience to be more involved in the show.”
Set in the docile seaside resort of Penzance in 1879, the story follows pirate trainee Frederick. Upon completing his 21st year apprenticing a tender-hearted band of pirates, he meets Mabel, the daughter of Maj. Gen. Stanley, and the two quickly fall in love. His romance is interrupted when he discovers that his February 29th birthday means that, technically, he only has a birthday every leap year. He is required to apprentice the pirates until his 21st birthday, and must therefore serve another 63 years. Mabel agrees to faithfully wait for him.
“The Pirates of Penzance” was Gilbert and Sullivan’s fifth collaboration. The London duo premiered the show on Dec. 31, 1879, in New York City, where it was well received by both audiences and critics. Earning three Tony awards, it has spawned several modernized productions and imitations. It remains popular today, taking its place alongside “The Mikado” and “H.M.S. Pinafore” as one of the most frequently played Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
HCT’s “The Pirates of Penzance” is directed and choreographed by Marilyn May Montgomery with musical direction by Jennifer Parker Hohl. It stars Austin Dorman and Rhett Richins as Frederick; Bryon Finch and Bruce Bredeson as Maj. Gen. Stanley; and Camella Canete and Rebecca Lemon as Mabel. Other credits include costume designer Tamara Clayton, technical director and set designer Kacey Udy, lighting designer Spencer Brown and sound designer Dan Morgan.
Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinées each Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and occasional weekdays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices for Monday through Thursday evenings and matinees are $22 per adult and $15 per child (5-11 years); for Friday and Saturday evening shows tickets are $26 per adult and $16 per child (5-11 years). Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at 801-984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office at 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.
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