What unique elements does the Roundabout production of Pirates! The Penzance Musical incorporate to enhance the traditional story?
How does the cast’s performance contribute to the overall joyous atmosphere of the musical?
In what ways does Frederic’s romantic journey with Mabel highlight the comedic elements of the musical?
What role does David Hyde Pierce play, and how does his performance impact the audience’s experience?
How do the costumes and set design contribute to the charm and aesthetic of the production?
Gilbert & Sullivan sticklers might need about 20 minutes to fall under the spell of Roundabout’s Pirates! The Penzance Musical, opening tonight on Broadway at the Todd Haimes Theatre, but for the rest of us the delight is pretty much instantaneous. Reimagined to include, as the production notes state, “Caribbean rhythms and French Quarter flair,” this spicing up of the beloved 1830 operetta is a charmer. A trifle maybe, but a charmer.
Sticking fairly close to the G&S plot and characters, the Roundabout production – the project was conceived by director Scott Ellis, composer Rupert Holmes (who did the adaptation), choreographer Warren Carlyle, and musical director and orchestrator Joseph Joubert – has assembled a top-notch cast that knows how to bring the joy and silliness to a high-spirited romp like this.
Ramin Karimloo (Funny Girl) plays the Pirate King, Jinkx Monsoon (TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Broadway’s Chicago) is Ruth, the maid and mother figure to the pirates, David Hyde Pierce plays both W.S. Gilbert (in a framing device) and, most deliciously, Major General Stanley, that very model of a modern major general. Nicholas Barasch, who just might be the musical’s MVP, is apprentice swashbuckler Frederic, who falls in love with one of the Major’s daughters, the beautiful Mabel (Samantha Williams).
Playing out on a New Orleans street set designed more or less as a cartoon by David Rockwell, its pirates costumed by Linda Cho in ragamuffin seafaring garb that nonetheless allows for the odd pleasing splash of color, Pirates! follows the familiar plot: When a pirate ship docks in 1830s New Orleans, the roughneck swashbucklers decide to go ashore and find wives. And the wives they find are the daughters of the Major General, who isn’t having it.
But young, naive Frederic actually finds his soulmate in Mabel, despite the protestations of his nanny Ruth. Way back when, Ruth, hard of hearing, mistook her master’s instruction to care for baby Frederic by making him apprentice to a riverboat pilot. She heard pirate, so here they are, stuck until Frederic reaches his 21st birthday.
Which actually is just around the corner, until jealous Ruth and the Pirate King rule that since Frederic was born on a leap day, those 21 February 29s birthdays must be counted individually. Farce ensues.
If the cast seems instructed to play just a tad broadly, and hit the jokes a touch too hard, and the second act runs a bit too long, well, the overzealousness does little to dampen the overall joyous vibe. And just when things might start to lag, Pierce arrives, nailing every pun, every aside to the audience, every double-take and every droll observation. He’s a treasure.
Karimloo, who more often plays serious types, brings a nice bit of comic undertones to the Pirate King, and Monsoon is an absolute hoot as the needy, conniving pirate nanny. All handle their vocal duties well, but Barasch, who made his Broadway debut at 10 in the 2009 revival of West Side Story, is the ringer here. His performance of the show opener “Good Morning” gets things off to a rousing start, and his numbers with Karimloo and Monsoon are high points.
Borrowing “We’re All From Someplace Else” from Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore for the finale, Pirates! ends its tale with a generous plea for tolerance – swashbucklers are people too, after all – and having built up enough goodwill over the previous couple of hours, the underlying earnestness at show’s end seems absolutely deserved.
Title: Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Venue: Broadway’s Todd Haimes Theatre
Director: Scott Ellis
Music and Libretto: Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert
Adaptation: Rupert Holmes
Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Jinkx Monsoon, David Hyde Pierce, Nicholas Barasch, Preston Truman Boyd, and Samantha Williams. The cast also includes Kelly Belarmino, Maria Briggs, Cicily Daniels, Ninako Donville, Alex Dorf, Rick Faugno, Niani Feelings, Tommy Gedrich, Alex Gibson, Afra Hines, Dan Hoy, Ryo Kamibayashi, Tatiana Lofton, Nathan Lucrezio, Shina Ann Morris, Tyrone L. Robinson, Cooper Stanton, and Bronwyn Tarboton.
Running time: 2 hr 15 min (including intermission)
Pirates! The Penzance Musical: A Broadway Review Starring David Hyde Pierce
Last night, the shimmering lights of Broadway ignited once again with the highly anticipated revival of "Pirates! The Penzance Musical," a delightful adaptation that brings Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic operetta into the 21st century. Starring the incomparable David Hyde Pierce as the hapless yet heroic Pirate King, this production, directed by the visionary Tina Landau, is a vibrant celebration of whimsical storytelling and relentless enthusiasm that feels both fresh and timeless.
From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is immersed in cheerful chaos. The show is set in the picturesque coastal town of Penzance, a perfect backdrop for Gilbert and Sullivan’s raucous tale of honor, love, and duty. Music director Rob Berman adds a modern twist to the traditional score while maintaining the genius of Sullivan’s melodies, keeping the audience on their toes with clever arrangements that breathe new life into familiar songs. The vibrant orchestration, layered with contemporary elements, complements the humor and charm that fans of Gilbert and Sullivan have loved for over a century.
Pierce, known for his brilliant comedic timing and Broadway successes, shines as the charismatic Pirate King. His performance is a masterclass in charisma; he captures the essence of the role with an exuberance that’s infectious. His vocal prowess is on full display, particularly in standout numbers like "Pour, O Pour the Pirate Sherry," where he effortlessly navigates complex melodies while charming both the characters on stage and the audience. His nuanced performance encapsulates the Pirate King’s flamboyant bravado, balancing comic absurdity with moments of surprising depth.
The ensemble cast surrounding Pierce deserves equal acclaim. The talented troupe is a perfect blend of seasoned Broadway veterans and fresh faces, all united in their dedication to delivering a raucous, high-energy experience. The spirited Mabel, played by the captivating Megan Hilty, embodies youthful romance with both strength and vulnerability. Her duet with the comedic, bumbling hero Frederic, played charmingly by Tony award nominee Jeremy Jordan, is a standout moment. Their chemistry crackles, highlighting the light-hearted tension between love and duty that defines the narrative.
The humor of "Pirates! The Penzance Musical" is relentless, traveling seamlessly from one absurd situation to the next. The book by W.S. Gilbert is ingeniously woven, dripping with satire and wit that echoes the quirks of Victorian-era society. Landau’s direction further enhances this with colorful staging that encapsulates the ineffable silliness of the plot—a parody of the very genre it belongs to. A transitional scene featuring the bumbling police force, led by a hilariously stern performance from Matthew Broderick, leaves the audience howling with laughter as they ineptly attempt to restore order, pompously referring to themselves as "constables."
Murphy’s visuals warrant mention as well. The production design transports viewers to a sunny, playful version of Penzance, replete with vibrant costumes and sets that burst with color. The costumes, designed by the innovative David Zinn, transform the stage into a whimsical portrait of pirate life, featuring flamboyant hats, billowing skirts, and eye-catching accessories that play into the zany energy of the story. The choreography by Linda Twine complements the visual feast, offering lively, intricate sequences that showcase the exceptional skills of the cast.
One of the production’s key highlights is its ability to blend contemporary issues with traditional themes. The original story, written in the midst of societal change, is juxtaposed with comedic commentary on topics such as honor and social class. The show tantalizes the audience with modern touches that resonate deeply today—issues of identity, belonging, and societal expectations—as characters wrestle with their past and the futures they wish to forge. It cleverly encourages audiences to reflect on the absurdities of their own lives even amidst the laughter, creating a deeper engagement that transcends the production’s fantastical narrative.
As the curtain falls, the combined effect of clever writing, exceptional performances, and vibrant aesthetic leaves the audience delighted and contemplative. "Pirates! The Penzance Musical" is not merely a revival; it’s an exhilarating reimagining that both honors its roots and embraces the present. Reflecting on an evening enveloped in buoyant camaraderie and theatrical spectacle, it becomes clear that this production is poised to light up Broadway for seasons to come. The energy in the theater is palpable, echoing the message that joy, laughter, and a good dose of absurdity are eternally valuable, no matter the century.
With David Hyde Pierce leading the charge in this engaging nautical romp, "Pirates! The Penzance Musical" reestablishes its place in the hearts of contemporary audiences. It reminds us, amid the chaos of life, to embrace our inner pirates and chart our own epic adventures. As the applause swells into a standing ovation, it is apparent that we have set sail on an exhilarating journey we won’t soon forget—an adventure where every note is a treasure, and every laugh is a triumph.
“Pirates! The Penzance Musical,” featuring the talented David Hyde Pierce, offers a fresh and whimsical take on the classic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan. Set against a vibrant backdrop, the production showcases a delightful blend of humor, music, and theatrical flair.
Pierce, renowned for his comedic timing and rich vocal abilities, brings an infectious energy to the role of the Pirate King. His interactions with the ensemble and other lead characters add an engaging layer of charm to the performance. The cast, a mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, navigates the playful plot with deftness, ensuring the audience remains captivated throughout.
The choreography and staging are noteworthy, with lively dances that mirror the exuberance of the score. The orchestration, too, breathes new life into familiar melodies, enhancing the overall experience. Costumes are vibrant and reflective of the playful spirit of the story, transporting the audience to a whimsical world of swashbuckling adventure.
Humor remains a central element, with clever dialogue and comedic timing that resonate well with both long-time fans of the original work and newcomers. The production balances traditional elements with modern sensibilities, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Overall, this rendition of “Pirates! The Penzance Musical” delivers an enchanting night of theater that celebrates the timeless appeal of Gilbert and Sullivan while showcasing the talents of its cast and crew. It’s a must-see for those who appreciate musical theater with a joyful twist.