Pirates take the stage at UWSP in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’

Set sail and witness an absurd mix of opera and comedy by the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Feb. 28-March 2 and 6-8.
 
“The Pirates of Penzance,” by theatrical duo W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, will be staged in Jenkins Theatre of the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday Feb. 28, Saturday, March 1 and Thursday through Saturday March 6-8, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, and Saturday, March 8.
 
Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff and $16 for youth. Tickets will be available for purchase at tickets.uwsp.edu, by calling 715-346-4100 or by visiting the Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center in Stevens Point.
 
The story follows a young Frederic, a pirate’s apprentice, who falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of a Major-General. Due to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, he finds a holdup. Born on 29 February, Frederic discovers that he is technically still a youngster. Although very much in love, his dedication to duty is unshakeable.
 
“The department was looking for a large cast production with lots of fun and something that our students would not have the experience of doing previously,” said Mark Hanson, associate professor and production director.
 
After nearly twenty years, Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic operas will return to UWSP stage with a cast of 28 students, with a large accompanying orchestra. Made up of both student and professional community musicians, he is thrilled to have a traditional pit orchestra for the first time in 8 years.
 
“I hope audience enjoy the high energy of the production numbers and the ridiculous nature of the story,” said Hanson, adding, “Who doesn’t love Pirates?”