Frontier's "Pirates of Penzance" is fun evening of quality theater

One of the great things about Gilbert and Sullivan operettas is that they never take themselves too seriously. They are filled with contrived plots and subplots complete with plenty of duty and honor, they have catchy, toe-tapping music, they are filled with good humor, overall silliness and sight gags, and above all, everything always works out in the end.

Frontier Academy's production of The Pirates of Penzance is no exception, and the result is a fun-filled evening of quality high school theater.

Director Amy Long (assisted by Megan Gustkey and Michelle Davis) has assembled an impressive cast of 50 middle and high school students, representing nearly 20 percent of the student body. They are lively and energetic, but more than anything else, they have fun with the show.

From the opening moments of "Pour, Oh Pour the Pirate Sherry," to the rousing finale, the cast gives it everything it has. Normally you might hear a few snickers from the audience when a high school student comes onstage playing an older adult. In "Pirates," you don't even notice; it just adds to the comical nature of the show.

Among the talented cast are several actors especially worthy of mention. Brianne Morrison, Kenny Tuttle and Alex Stauter share one of the theatrical highlights of the evening as the talented trio sings, "When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold." Grant Gerdom does an admirable job with the difficult but entertaining, "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General."

At the dress rehearsal I attended there were some technical issues still to be worked out, but watching director Long in action, I have no doubt she will get these difficulties taken care of.

The most remarkable technical aspect of the show is that the troupe doesn't try to do too much. The lighting is minimal, and there's not much of a set. They selected only a few individuals to put microphones on, leaving the stronger voices to perform acoustically. The recorded soundtrack simplifies the production, as well. The result is that the emphasis is where it belongs: on the talented cast and the entertaining music.

If you're looking for serious drama, stay at home, because this show never loses sight of the fact that it is a farce. But if you are looking for a fun evening of quality high school theater, give this production a chance. You are sure to be entertained.

-- Bryan VanDriel lives in Greeley and has been active in the arts for 31 years.

TO GO

"The Pirates of Penzance"

7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Frontier Auditorium, 6530 W. 16th St., Greeley. Cost is $8, adults; $5, students; children 5 and younger, $2, at the door. Information: Call (970) 339-9153.