‘Pirates of Penzance’ at PCPA is the very model of a modern major musical
As an ex-professional actress, I am usually a very critical audience member, but I was so impressed by a recent performance of PCPA’s “The Pirates of Penzance” that I want to encourage anyone who loves Gilbert and Sullivan, or just likes to laugh, to see the show before it closes on March 6.
The brilliant direction and choreography (with echoes of Busby Berkeley and Susan Stroman), the charm and verve of the young performers, and the comic inventiveness of George Walker and Andrew Philpot capture the high style, wonderful wordplay and precise mayhem that are hallmarks of Gilbert and Sullivan. Just to watch Walker as the Pirate King struggle with his sword is worth the price of admission. Bravo to all!
Marianne Moss, Arroyo Grande
This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 8:09 PM with the headline "‘Pirates of Penzance’ at PCPA is the very model of a modern major musical."