UFOMT’s ‘Pirates’ brings humor to the high seas – The Herald Journal

You dont need to be a fanatic Savoyard to love the current production of The Pirates of Penzance by the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre.

But it doesnt hurt to be up on your Gilbert and Sullivan trivia either. That way, youll catch all the inside jokes when they come flying fast and furiously.

As everyone knows, The Pirates of Penzance is a bit of comic opera nonsense lampooning the culture and manners of Victorian England. It was written with tongue firmly in cheek for its time, and the play has never grown stale because directors and performers have spent more than a century improvising new jokes and comic business for this show.

Not to be outdone by those predecessors, director Brad A. Carrolls rollicking interpretation of Penzance plays like a long Monty Python sketch (but its actually funny, not like British humour).

Along for the ride is a talented cast of UFOMT veterans who are obviously having a ball.

Edward Brennan is perfect as the dim-witted Frederick, an apprentice pirate determined to go straight if only his sense of duty (with a capital D) would allow it. Taking a break of a sting of serious roles, the awesome Ezekiel Andrew displays unexpected comic chops as the Pirate King.

Curt Olds is the epitome of oh-so-British professional and parental incompetence as Major-General Stanley.

Local favorite Kevin Nakatani also does his part, animating an extended opening gag that sets just the right tone for this production.

Olivia Yokers, an adorable newcomer to UFOMT, lends a touch of class and an amazing voice to Penzance.

Supporting cast members include Cabiria Jacobsen, Markel Reed, Elizabeth Frey, Jessica Mirshak and Kathleen Farrar Buccleugh.

Finally, in the roles of pirates, virgin daughters and less-than-intrepid bobbies, the shows ensemble performers provide the typically brilliant choral work that has become the hallmark of UFOMT productions.

An addition evening performance of The Pirates of Penzance will be presented at the Eccles Theatre on July 28. Matinees will be offered on Aug. 4 and 9.

Editors Note: Charlie Schill has directed and performed with theater groups in the United States and overseas. Schill also served as theater critic for the Temple Daily Telegram in Texas and the Pacific Stars & Stripes and Japan Times, both daily newspapers in Tokyo.

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UFOMT's 'Pirates' brings humor to the high seas - The Herald Journal