CAPE REP REVIEW - Vocal Hijinks And Silly Antics Abound In Cape Rep’s ‘Pirates Of Penzance’

“You make it a point of never attacking a weaker party than yourselves, and when you attack a stronger one you invariably get thrashed!” indentured servant Frederic says, explaining his frustration with the pirates he served with for many years and their lack of success in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates Of Penzance,” now on stage at the Cape Rep Theater.

Gilbert and Sullivan, (William Schwenck Gilbert, book and lyrics, and Arthur Seymour Sullivan, music) a creative duo who collaborated on comic operettas in the late 1800s, are still received well today, as evident by Joseph Papp’s 1981 Broadway production of the “Pirates of Penzance.” The fifth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration, it won the Tony award for best revival and spawned a 1983 film adaptation. The original “Pirates of Penzance” was performed for over a century in Great Britain and by many other opera companies worldwide.

The much parodied “I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major-General” song from this show is the perfect production number for Cape Rep favorite Jared Hagan. And yes, Hagen shines in this production, but he is literally surrounded by a sea of talent. Cape Rep has pulled out all the stops with this show. No one in the cast disappoints, no one in the production team misses steps; the set, the band, the costumes, the “killer vocals” — this show is the complete package.

Cape Rep’s production of Papp’s adaptation is “suffused with a modern sensibility” according to the program. Those little Cape additions add another level of hilarity to the show.

But it’s the talent that rises to the top: the timeless talent of Gilbert and Sullivan’s fun lyrics and music, the silly storyline, and this incredibly talented troupe of actors. And did I mention they can sing?

The experience begins as you enter the theater. Ryan McGettigan’s set design and Susan Nicholson’s lighting envelop you from the get-go. You’re on the beach. Then a pirate ship appears with Samuel (Ari Lew), the Pirate King (Lee Cohen), a gang of pirates (Ellie Krebs, Alex Murray, Mo O’Neill, Davis Parks, Justin Torellas) and Ruth (Holly Hansen) walking down the gangplank and launching into song. Indentured servant Frederic (Aamar-Malik Colbert) has served his term and at 21 years of age is a free man. Frederic is raring to go and eager to experience life, and especially wants to meet a woman since the middle-aged Ruth is the only female he’s ever seen.

Soon he comes upon these bathing beauties: Edith (Hailey Deltano), Kate (Perry Gill), Isabel (Ellie McNally) and Mabel (Juliet Pearson). And their dad, the Major-General (Hagen). Bryan George Russell completes the cast as the Sergeant trying to restore some order as chaos ensues between the girls and the pirates.

The production is fast-paced, colorful and full of wonderful musical numbers. Musical director Scott Storr is back after a brief hiatus and on the piano, with Malcolm Granger (keyboard 2/guitar), Dan Flynn (percussion), and Justin Torellas (woodwinds). They were great!

Standouts on opening night were the indomitable, eye-rolling Holly Hansen, Hailey Deltano’s show-stopping vocals, the dynamic Mo O’Neill and Alex Murray in the ensemble, and of course Jared Hagen’s over-the-top Major-General. But seriously, everyone was incredible. This entire group sings, dances and emotes constantly with such joyful, enthusiastic energy.

Director Sarah Elizabeth Wansley facilitated every detail, Brianna Mercado’s choreography was spot-on, Robin McLaughlin had fun with the costumes which added another comedic flair to the show, and it all was accomplished under the watchful eye of stage manager Tori Mondello and assistant stage manager Nat Konowicz.

Looking for an enjoyable night of theater? Look no further than the little theater in the woods, Brewster’s Cape Rep.

DETAILS:

"The Pirates of Penzance"

At Cape Rep Theater, Route 6A, Brewster

Through Aug. 25, Tuesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-896-1888, www.caperep.org