Pirates: Show Comments
The first reviews of the show are starting to arrive now – and they're looking very good. Both Al and Justin were taking on their respective roles for the first time, so there was a bit of nervousness before show week. (perhaps a little bit of an understatement there lads?) It seems, however, that they've come up trumps:
Margaret Hickling writes:
"Four of us came to see Pirates last night and all had a great evening – what a change from the usual amateur productions of staid maidens and portly pirates.
Parts of the first half in particular were so funny that members of the audience were wiping tears of laughter from their cheeks. Your director has obviously learned a lot from his apprenticeship.
So well done all of you, your hard work has paid off and we are already planning on coming to next year's show."
Ray Walker writes: (on SavoyNet – the international G&S mailing list)
"Tonight I saw their production and came away feeling delighted that yet another new interpretation of the operetta was a great success."
Liz O'Brien (An experienced G&S performer) writes:
"Attended last Friday's performance of Pirates and thoroughly enjoyed a fine piece of theatrical entertainment, which is what Gilbert and Sullivan originally intended. Straight, very convincing portraits, slick, clear dialogue and words, fast pace, no daylight shining through. Good use of the chorus which again is what Gilbert intended. Wonderful orchestra, unobtrusive, supportive and well balanced. Excellent."
Peter Wilde writes:
"I came to the show because I know someone in the cast and felt that I should. It was Friday night and I was tired out after a long week and the last thing I needed was to sit in a lecture theatre and watch a show I've seen n times before.
So I've mailed to say thanks because it was a show that I haven't seen before.
A pirates with real (albeit larger than life) people who did things for believable reasons. Your's was the most intelligent and non-patronising version I've seen. I loved the way you treated Ruth, Frederick and Mabel. The girls and the pirates interacted in a way which people might do off the stage(!) and the best thing for me, although a small point, was the way Ruth's hots for the King explained why she was still around for act II.
It was excellent and made me wish I had a chace of acting with a company where 'what the D'oily Carte did in 1935' wasn't the yardstick by which success is measured."
An unknown Manchester journalist writes:
"MUGSS rendition of the Pirates of Penzance was outstanding."
The NODA review for the show was:
In true MUGSS tradition, their production of Pirates was energetic, lively
and comical. Every musical number was well executed. The simplified
movement was skilfully presented and ideally suited for the originality of
entire production. I particularly liked the non-moving, non speaking part of
the ship's 'Figure Head'. It was obvious the whole cast enjoyed the show by
the mere fact of their commitment and enthusiasm. Everyone showed their
dedication and it would be inappropriate to name any one member of the cast.
Musical Director Justin Morley read the score well. Congratulations also to
the entire production team. May I thank the society far a most enjoyable
evening of pure entertainment. (Dr. M.D.)
(Quoted from the http://www.nodanw.demon.co.uk/may2002/index.htm. See Region One)
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