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.
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