Operetta 'Pirates of Penzance' in a class by itself
Naperville North students have turned into swashbucklers for their latest theatrical production that hits the stage tonight.
"Pirates of Penzance" opens at 7 p.m. today at the school, 899 N. Mill St. Performances continue at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults.
The musical is a Gilbert and Sullivan show about bumbling pirates. One in particular named Frederic falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of a major general.
Senior Dan Brennan, who plays the major general, says the audience shouldn't be scared away by the fact that the show is an operetta.
"It's really funny and the music is fantastic," he said. "The story is just in a category by itself it's so funny."
Director Jim Yarbrough said he knew he had the right mix of actors and musicians to do the show. More than 200 students are involved including cast and crew.
"This stuff definitely was top-of-the-line in the 1880s," Yarbrough said. "The best singers, the best orchestra players. We're asking kids to do this and they're stepping up."
The lead actors have been rehearsing since December and even went to see a rehearsal of the Light Opera Works' version of the show in Evanston where they had a chance to interact with some of the production staff.
Senior Claire Morley is one of two actresses playing Mabel and said she enjoyed portraying the "ditsy diva."
"You can really play with the music because that's how she is, that's who her character is," Morley said. "It's fun to sing really obnoxiously high. - The whole thing is such a farce, such a comedic, fun, fast-paced operetta."
But don't worry if some of the songs fly by too quickly to decipher. There will be a screen above the stage with the lyrics so the audience can follow along.
Yarbrough said the musical might not be as trendy as some, but it has lasting appeal.
"The cool thing about this is your grandkids - will be doing productions of this because this is a staple of musical theater and you'll get to go see them," he said. "It's eternal. You're not going to see 'High School Musical 2' 20 years from now."
For current grandparents and other friends and family who may not be able to make it to the show, the school will stream it online at www.ustream.tv/channel/pirates-of-penzance.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Pirates of Penzance"</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 25 to 27; 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors</p>
<p class="News"><b>Info: </b>(630) 420-6520</p>
<div class="infoBox">
<h1>More Coverage</h1>
<div class="infoBoxContent">
<div class="infoArea">
<h2>Stories</h2>
<ul class="links">
<li><a href="/story/?id=361311">Retiring choral director challenged students to think<span class="date">[2/25/10]</span></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>