|
|
|
|
The Stuart News, Scripps Treasure Coast January 29, 2007
Bill DeYoung Entertainment The Barn Theatre sails on the good ship “Pinafore”
Deft turns of phrase, tricky melodies, alliteration, proper English humor and colorful characters are hallmarks of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, and the Barn Theatre's production of "H.M.S. Pinafore," onstage through Feb. 24, does great service to them all. This is a wonderfully wacky production, musically buoyant and surprisingly contemporary — especially considering that the show (subtitled "The Lass Who Loved a Sailor") debuted when Queen Victoria was still sitting on the throne. W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan wrote 14 comic operas in the latter part of the 19th Century, and they were the toast of London theater, enjoyable by both the upper crust and the lower. "H.M.S Pinafore" was first presented in 1878. Kudos to the Barn for tackling such a difficult project; about 95 percent is sung, not spoken, and the characters – delightfully cartoonish one and all – sing/speak in duos, trios, ensembles and solos, intersecting one another via odd changes of meter and tone. It's the story of Ralph Rackstraw, a common tar (sailor) aboard her majesty's ship, the Pinafore, at anchor off Portsmouth. Handsome young Ralph is in love with Josephine, the captain's daughter, but since she's above his station, their marriage is out of the question. Instead, Captain Corcoran has pledged Josephine's hand to Sir Joseph Porter, an admiral, a geezer and an old fussbucket. Pretty basic stuff, but Gilbert and Sullivan made it equally mirthful, lyrical and fun to follow. In the hands of director John F. Sabo, and a cast that's clearly having a great time (that counts for a lot), this production is a joy. Especially good are Richard F. Schultz as Sir Joseph, Kristen Whalen (who has a beautiful operatic voice) as Josephine, and Amanda Dillon as the "bumboat woman" called Buttercup, who comes aboard carrying a dark secret. True, some of the singers are stronger than others, but everyone on the stage acquits themselves nicely. The set and costumes are bright and fanciful, as required by the material. Rather than putting on another safe Neil Simon comedy or Ray Cooney farce, it's so refreshing to see the Barn setting sail for a different shore.
What: “H.M.S. Pinafore” Where: Barn Theatre, 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart When: 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 24th. Tickets: $25 Contact: (772) 287-4884
|
|
Address: P O. Box 1894 2400 S.E. Ocean Blvd. Stuart, Florida 34995
|
