Pirates of Penzance - reviewed in poetry

A Night Out With Pirates by Linh

The Adelaide coast is clear and all is calm
for the arrival of men with bravado and charm.
Men who'll delight the masses with song and dance,
as they are the 'Pirates of Penzance'.

Along for the rollicking ride of music and swashbuckling fun
is something to captivate and entertain everyone.
David Hobson as apprentice pirate Frederic
is gloriously fine in voice, with situations comedic.

Soprano Taryn Fiebig sings beautifully and is able
to bring to life an angelic-voiced Mabel.
Not to be out done by the lead singers of the cast
is David Campbell swinging from the mast.

As the Pirate King, Campbell emulates Jack Sparrow
although some find the pirate gags hard to swallow.
Campbell charms and his singing flows,
but his voice isn't always suited for these shows.

Dennis Olsen is outstanding and a rarity;
to all aspects of theatre he'll always bring quality.
He plays the very model of a modern Major General in the show
adding many colourful strings to the General's ever growing bow.

A woman of the world is Ruth, the Pirates' maid,
whose youth and beauty are starting to fade.
Suzanne Johnston delivers the role with flair and conviction,
also brilllant acting and vocal precision.

Last but not least, the formidable Chorus we praise,
for their support through all the nights and days;
Chorus member Johanna Allen is our local star
whose talent and intelligence has taken her far.

Don't miss the boat, or you'll miss out
on a welcome relief from the musical drought.
So jump onboard for your chance
to enjoy a night with the 'Pirates of Penzance'.

Pirates of Penzance - review

Hooray! I went to see 'The Pirates of Penzance' and was impressed with the entire cast in making it an enjoyable and fabulous night at the opera. Here's my review... a poetry version to follow.

A Night Out With Pirates by Linh

Ahoy there, mateys! Jump onboard for a rollicking ride with ' The Pirates of Penzance'.
Opera Australia in co-operation with the AFCT (Adelaide Festival Centre Trust) have managed to bring plenty of talent to Adelaide in the past and this is no exception. It's actually exceptional.

As with all Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, there is the tried and true formula of catchy tunes and melodious lyrics, unrequited love, satirical farce and social commentary. It's all brought to life through brilliant performances by David Hobson, David Campbell, Dennis Olsen, Taryn Fiebig, Suzanne Johnston and formidable support from the Chorus.

David Hobson (Frederic) does well to capture the naivety and wonderment of an apprentice pirate, where each note is sung with exquisite and comedic timing.

Dennis Olsen (Major General) puts in a commanding performance while impressing the diction-challenged with his clarity and projection in all his songs, especially I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General.

David Campbell's (Pirate King) take on the Jack Sparrow character from the film 'Pirates of the Caribbean' is a hoot and he managed to bring some charm to the role. He's done well in his first operetta, but at times his rock and jazzy voice seemed to falter as if incapable of finding a place among the finely tuned operatic voices.

Soprano Taryn Fiebig (Mabel) is a joy to watch and listen to, with a sparkling silvery voice which soars to the heavens in Poor Wandering One.

Theatre star Suzanne Johnston (Ruth) is a versatile and stunning performer, who delivers the action and songs with impeccable timing and vocal brilliance.

The Chorus (featuring Adelaide soprano Johanna Allen) is superb at every turn, keeping the comedy onboard.

'The Pirates of Penzance' will surely remain a favourite for anyone who enjoys light-hearted drama performed by luminous stars with voices which dazzle throughout.

What Words?

I wrote the following poem while I was trying to think of something to write about. There were many thoughts bouncing around my head, but finding the words to express them in writing isn't always easy for me. Poetry is the best way I could start arranging thoughts in an orderly and comprehensive manner. I've been writing poetry since Primary School and it was a form of relaxation and escape from all the world's woes(and my own).

THE POWER OF WORDS by Linh

Words are a big part of our lives,
and language is what everyone strives
to improve and increase vocabulary
as fluency in speech is necessary.

Words are found all over the place
even written on someone's face.
Grafitti scribbled on the toilet walls
and on posters throughout the malls.

Newspapers, journals, magazines and books,
words are everywhere one looks.
Words inform, provoke and entertain,
but long and complicated ones are a pain.

Words are meaningful and sometimes deep,
and can sometimes put us to sleep.
Words can bring us joy and pain,
I especially love words that entertain.

The power of words is used with skill and ease
by lawyers or politicians stating new policies.
Words have an ambiguous effect,
which may influence or affect.

Although words are of equal status,
some say slang is the greatest!
Slang can be funny, short and cheeky,
unnecessary, abusive and sneaky.

Words may come in Italian, Greek, French, English,
Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Yiddish.
Their use is varied and distinct in many ways;
words are essential and forever they will stay.

More Menopause

The Adelaide season of 'Menopause the Musical' will now run until March 4 (previously until Feb 11). This is excellent news, as I can now see the show more than once.

Pirates with Menopause

What a wonderful time to be in Adelaide! It's a brilliant host to so many local, interstate and overseas events/productions/talent, and has the world's next biggest Fringe Festival (second to Edinburgh Fringe).

At the moment, Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Pirates Of Penzance' staged at the Adelaide Festival Theatre, is a hot ticket for a great night out with friends, as is 'Menopause the Musical' staged at Her Majesty's Theatre which is a must-see for everyone.

I'll be attending both productions and endeavour to bring you a comprehensive and entertaining review.