PIRATES OF PENZANCE  by Carol Kaufman Segal

            I was rather in shock when I walked into the Pasadena Playhouse to see Pirates of Penzance. Only half of the seats were in view, the orchestra seats covered by an enormous deck and enclosed, making a huge playing area.  I was sent down the aisle and let in by someone who said “Welcome to chaos.”  And so it was.  I had no idea what was happening as I was escorted to my seat while other people were all over the place throwing beach balls and other paraphernalia, in a playful setting that even included swimming pools, whooping it up with music, laughter, and a whole lot of noise.  This was prior to the actual opening of the scene of Pirates of Penzance presented by the Hypocrites, adapted and directed by Sean Graney, co-adapted by Kevin O’Donnell, with music direction by Andra Velis Simon.

            I must admit I had no idea that this is what I came to see, a farce of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera.  It was like an 80 minute beach party with a one minute intermission!  There were actors roaming everywhere with ukuleles, banjos, an accordion, and other miscellaneous instruments (even a musical saw), as well as a tiki bar (of which I never had the opportunity of sampling). 

            Though the performers present a satire on the plot of Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera I was never able to follow it throughout the production.  However, in this instant, I presume it made no difference.  It is all in jest, and it is all in fun.  The entire cast is truly blessed with musical, vocal, and comic talent.  They include Mario Alvazian, Eddie Curillo, Matt Kahler, Amanda Martinez, Dana Omar, Tina Munoz-Pandya, Dogt Pawlik, Shawn Pfautsch, Leslie Ann Sheppard and Lauren Vogel.

            Pirates of Penzance plays Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM, through February 25, at the historical Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Ave., Pasadena.  Tickets are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by phone at (626) 356-7529, or in person at the Pasadena Playhouse Box Office