Gilbert and Sullivan's opera, "The Pirates of Penzance" made its New York debut in 1879, appearing on the scene long before automobiles or airplanes. But even as heavy snow was falling outside, it was standing-room-only for the latest production of the operatic workhorse staged by Kansas University Opera.
There is a reason for the play's success it's so well-built that it's indestructible. The songs are catchy, witty and not so difficult for a college cast to pull off, while the book is seemingly timeless. Long before this current age of irony, Gilbert and Sullivan were cracking audiences up with asides about rented costumes and even their own other productions.
KU's version has musical accompaniment featuring three keyboards, along with strong vocal performances. The acting, which sometimes lacks when trained singers are called upon to do more than hit their notes, is right on target. Stealing the show is Chris Gilliam as Major-General Stanley, who zooms down the theater isle on a tricycle to make his first appearance. Gilliam, along with Justin Petersen as the Pirate King, add droll, delightful humor and energy to the evening.
Also durable, but sometimes lacking in vocal power is Andrew Graves. Whenever he sings from the back of the stage his voice gets lost, but blame that more on the less-than-stellar acoustics in Swarthout Recital Hall than on Graves, who puts real animation into his role as Frederic, the pirate apprentice.
The only drawbacks are the venue and the technical work. Light cues were missed, and the set looks like something one finds in a junior high school play. A stalwart story like "Penzance" deserves a better performance space and more attention to behind-the-scenes details.
The songs still make the show, though, so arrive early for a ticket, or you might get left out in the cold. Performances are at 2:30 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 27.
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