by Amy Borer
“Pirates of Penzance,” the popular 1879 classic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, has lowered its sails and docked this month at the Alliance for Performing Arts’ The Place.
Running through Nov. 24, “Pirates” is the story of young Frederick, a boy indentured to pirates until his 21st birthday; his mentors, the infamous Pirates of Penzance; a group of comical policemen; and a Major General and his many daughters.
The pirates, who were once noblemen but gave up their positions to run away and play, are looking for brides and see the daughters of the Major General as ideal targets of their affections.
Melinda Brasch, who co-directed the Alliance’s version of the classic with Michele Smalley-Hamic, chose to stage “Pirates” because it is one of her favorite musicals.
“I love it,” she said. “I saw it done live five years ago, and then I saw the movie version with Kevin Kline. I decided to do it like the movie.”
The musical combines cheerful music, comedic performances and romantic themes which have helped make the show a success with audiences for more than 100 years.
Even so, “Pirates” is far from being outdated.
“It’s a timeless story,” said Brasch. “The reason it holds people’s interest is because it is still suitable today. The Pirates aren’t really pirates, they’re just playing. And the girls are just typical girls.”
The musical farce, which opened Oct. 25, is choreographed by Linda Torres-Moten and Kalvin Latimer, who has also choreographed and danced for Janet Jackson.
Brasch was very impressed with the performance of the cast on opening night, and attributed much of the success of the musical to the quality of people she had working with her on the show.
“They were really dedicated and spent lots of time putting the show together,” she said of her stage crew and cast of 30.
“Pirates of Penzance” is performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There will also be an additional performance tomorrow at 3 p.m.
General admission is $10, while tickets for seniors and students are $8. Admission for children under the age of 12 is $6.
The Alliance for Performing Arts is located at 3131 N. Garey Avenue in Pomona. For more information, call (909) 596-8808.
