By Jacqueline Johnson
Members of Lyric Theater are excitedly preparing for this spring’s production of Arthur Sullivan and Willam Gilbert’s Pirates of Penzance. Performances will occur from March 31 through April 2 in Houghton’s Wesley Chapel.
Directed by Professor Amanda Cox, Pirates of Penzance is a comedic opera that offers up a phenomenal cast who are sure to put on a wonderful performance. It follows the story of a young pirate apprentice (Michael McLure (‘22)), and the hilarious miscommunications that ensue as his apprenticeship is completed, with ample song and dance along the way.
Professor Cox notes her excitement for the show, saying, “I have had such a wonderful time directing Pirates so far. It is a hilarious and zany show, and the students have leaned right into that. Our cast is so, so funny! The lyrics and script are so cleverly written, the music is fantastic, and the story is wild. I know our audiences will have a delightful time. I am so very proud of the hard work, skill, and courage of our students as they throw themselves fully into their characters and tell this rollicking tale!”
The cast is certainly impressive, with the Pirate King played by Caleb Durant (‘22), Samuel by Ethan Carr, Frederic by Michael McLure (‘22), Ruth by Bekah Scharf, Mabel by Rachel McVeigh (‘23), Kate by Bridget Sobolewski (‘23), Isabel by Emily Quick (‘23), and many more outstanding cast members.
Those involved in the production team include chorus master Rachel Logee, pianist Andrew Reith, conductor Jack Smith, stage manager Madge Chroniger, choreographer Linette Taylor (‘23), and Cody Johnson (‘24) (who will also be portraying the Major General for two out of four performances) on set design.
Caleb Durant (‘22) says how much he has loved working with Professor Cox and the rest of the cast. “She [Professor Cox] creates an atmosphere of safety and acceptance that makes it possible for us to be vulnerable and creative.”
Josey Ikker (‘24), who plays Edith, also expresses excitement towards the upcoming show saying, “I love almost everything about this musical; working with Professor Cox is always a joy. She knows how to present new ideas to others in rehearsal and she makes sure everyone is involved stage-wise. Pirates of Penzance is definitely a show worth checking out with grand operatic and comedic fun.”
i! This show contains a lot of laughter and entertainment, and many are sure to enjoy this show that the cast and crew has worked hard on. ★
