The Very Model of a Fun-Filled Show
By: Russell Eiermann Mar. 17, 2006
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at the DRURY LANE OAKBROOK
Years ago I had a chance to see the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company perform "The Pirates of Penzance" in London. I thought it would be a great opportunity to see a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta performed as closely as its creators intended. Was I in for a surprise! The show was very stiff and boring with its static staging. The performers basically walked downstage, sang their number, and then walked back to the row of performers at the painted backdrop. It took itself way too seriously. There was not an ounce of humor or enjoyment in the entire performance. It left a rather stale taste in my mouth for any other Gilbert and Sullivan shows.
Well, the new production of "The Pirates of Penzance" at the Drury Lane Oakbrook has changed that. It's amazing what a musical/comedy sensibility has brought to this show. This is a delightful production patterned after the early 80's version with Kevin Kline/Linda Rondstadt/Rex Smith.
The entire cast is up for the challenging vocals. There is not a weak link in the cast. They certainly compensate for the Drury Lane's tinny sound system and over-synthesized orchestra. Unlike the orchestra, you cannot fake the voices.
The two romantic leads, Devin DeSantis as Frederic and Jamie Dawn Gangi as Mabel, are flawless singers. Gangi's rendition of "Poor Wandering One" is a highlight. Her Mabel is rather silly. But it's very appropriate in this type of fairy-tale world about orphaned pirates and flirty girls. DeSantis is a little more serious in his role and could probably take it up one notch to clue us in that he's in on the joke. What he lacks in playfulness, he certainly makes up for with his buttery tenor.
Long-limbed Rod Thomas's Sergeant of Police is spectacular! His control is flawless while dancing. He even sings strongly and on-pitch while lying on his stomach. He and his kickline of Keystone Cop-like police set just the right tone. They are playful, but never over the top. The always excellent Anne Gunn is a very solid Ruth.
The pirates and General Stanley's daughters are all strong-voiced.
Production values are good. Bill Bartelt's sets, although somewhat serviceable, are totally appropriate for the show. The two static sets, one for each act, evoke Britain's 19th century era. The rather low-tech pirate ship received applause as it sailed from the Penzance shore. A throw-away moment, but very witty. Costumes are colorful but tend to rely a little too much on baggy metallic. The Pirate King looks like he could have stepped out of Studio 54.
William Osetek keeps this show moving! It is a very swift 2 hours with intermission. I don't know if anything was cut for this show, but my D'Oyly Carte experience makes me think that Pirates was much longer. Osetek keeps the cartoonishness in-check. Suzanne Viverito's choreography is loose limbed and controlled. She keeps most of the dancing to the bare minimum with basically coordinated movement; but she really lets loose with the police.
It's always a pleasure to see a show when you see everyone involved having such a good time. It's infectious and it spills into the audience. The audience I saw Pirates with, both you and old, had a great time…a solid family show.
(The shows' program notes that the performance is dedicated to Dan Proctor. He is the person who was assaulted in Chicago last year. I, too, wish him the best: www.danieljproctor.com)
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Where: Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
630-530-0111
When: March 9, 2006 - May 7, 2006
Prices: $22 - $26 show only; Dinner/Theatre Packages start at $40.95
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