Knoxville Brings Laughter with The Pirates of Penzance
Knoxville, TN – Last Sunday, the Tennessee Theatre transformed into a realm of laughter and melodic joy as the Knoxville Opera delighted audiences with its production of The Pirates of Penzance. This whimsical comic operetta, a famous collaboration between the librettist William S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, showcases a topsy-turvy world filled with unpredictable characters and charming satire. A celebration of both the past and present, this performance proved that the spirit of operetta still resonates today.
All Aboard the Pirate Ship!
The heart of the operetta is its absurd humor, which begins right at the title. Back in the 1870s, when Penzance was nothing more than a sleepy resort town in Cornwall, nobody expected it to serve as the backdrop for a tale about pirates. But these are no ordinary pirates! They have hearts of gold and a soft spot for orphans, adorably refusing to harm anyone they find weaker than themselves.
One standout character, Major-General Stanley, portrayed by the charismatic baritone Troy Cook, stole the show with every entrancing note he sang. Cook flawlessly delivered the iconic patter song “I am the very model of a modern Major-General” with stunning clarity, providing a delightful blend of camp and seriousness that had the audience in stitches.
Frederic and Mabel: A Romantic Duo
Every good operetta needs a love story, and the charming romance between Frederic, played by tenor Derrek Stark, and Mabel, portrayed by soprano Hanna Brammer, provided just that. Stark, with his boyish charm and a clear tenor voice, brought an air of heroic satire to the role of Frederic, while Brammer’s debut performance as Mabel displayed a powerful, flexible voice that matched her character’s energy. Her aria, “Poor Wandering One”, stood out as a sparkling moment, showcasing her vocal prowess and making the audience swoon.
The Swashbuckling Pirate King
No pirate tale is complete without a towering figure of mischief, and baritone Craig Irvin embodied the role of the Pirate King with an impressive presence and a rich voice. Irvin has quite a history with this role, captivating Knoxville audiences time and again with his swashbuckling charisma.
Alongside him was Daniel Spiotta as Samuel, skillfully balancing humor with his booming vocals. Each character added a unique flavor to the mix, creating a lively pirate crew that energized the stage.
Lovely Depth with Ruth
Of particular note was the character of Ruth, played by the talented Joyce Campana. Often overshadowed in productions, Campana’s portrayal was a refreshing delight as she brought depth to the character, sending the audience into fits of laughter with her vocal finesse and comic timing.
A Colorful Ensemble
The ensemble cast shone brightly throughout the performance, featuring members of the UT Opera Theatre, with notable performances from Meghana Krish and Nicole Dayton as Kate and Isabel, the eligible daughters of Major-General Stanley. Soprano Ashley Victoria Jones impressed as Edith, adding to the captivating array of characters.
Seamlessly Beautiful Music
The musical backdrop was skillfully managed by conductor Joseph Mechavich, who led the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra with precision, enhancing the rich layers of Sullivan’s music. The orchestration cast a beautiful light on the work, providing just the right charm for both the zany and tender moments. However, some scenes could have benefitted from a bit more energy to push the pace along.
Mark Your Calendars!
For those who missed this delightful evening of music and laughter—don’t fret! The Pirates of Penzance has one final performance scheduled for Sunday, October 27, at 2:30 PM. It’s an experience not to be missed! So bring your friends and family to witness this spectacular celebration of comic operetta right here in Knoxville.
