By Lisa Panzer
Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra (RVC&O) – the ‘O’ is for Outstanding Orchestra – has assembled a superb cast and crew for a rollicking fun, upbeat production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘Pirates of Penzance’ or ‘The Slave of Duty’ directed Katherine P. Nealley.
The Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra (RVCO) continues its fall production, “The Pirates of Penzance” at Strath Haven Middle School in Wallingford.
Frederic (Joshua David Myers), has now reached 21 years of age and awaits due release from his indenture to a gnarly gang of “tender-hearted” pirates, but alas he discovers that he was born on a leap year and according to the calendar has only reached his 5th year. Having fallen in love with Mabel (Genevieve Hahn), a ward of Major-General Stanley (Edwin Nealley), he must explain to his darling that he cannot be with her until another 63 years, for he is bound by his tremendous sense of duty to honor his avowal to the pirates. Mabel promises to wait faithfully for Frederic, assuaging him in his sadness to tarry. Ruth (Martha Smylie), Frederic’s long-time nursemaid, and piratical “maid-of-all-work”, who is full of surprises, finds a way to save the day!
Martha Smylie rocked the role of Ruth! Her voice, dramatic timing and sparkling stage presence are ever present in her performance, particularly in her musical number “When Frederic Was a Little Lad” as well as her dramatic duet with the talented Myers as Frederic in “Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me”. Myers’ too, boldly holds his own on stage, while also interacting wonderfully with the ensemble in every scene. Genevieve Hahn delivers a lovely, but strong, Mabel, both in voice and character portrayal – achieving a deft balance of depth and delicacy in her portrayal. The blending of Myers and Hahn’s vocals is delightful in “Oh, is There Not One Maiden Breast” and “Stay, Frederic, Stay”. Other favorites such as “Poor Wand’ring One” (Hahn, Girls),
“I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General” (nicely done by Nealley), “When the Foeman Bares His Steel” (Steve Zimmerman, Nealley, Hahn, Meagan Rubino, Police, Girls), and of course “With Cat-like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal” featuring Ray Murphy as a most excellently exuberant Pirate King (Murphy, Jeff Stafford, Police) are huge hits!
Chris Rubino’s set design is simply elegant, aiding the action and easy on the eyes, especially as combined with Meagan Rubino’s artwork, and Cynthia du Pont Tobias’ scenic backdrop. Lighting by Darlene Adamson nicely augments the action and surrounds without overwhelming, illuminating colorful costumes (Star Maddox, et al). Under the lights, the ‘Girl’s’ umbrellas and various hued full skirts seem to blossom as they dance…
RVC&O’s ‘Pirates of Penzance’ is a thoroughly enjoyable, well put together production from start to finish!
If You Go:
Pirates of Penzance
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Book by W.S. Gilbert
Stage Directed by Katherine P. Neally
Music Director and Conductor, Florrie Marks
Remaining performances are November 2nd and 3rd at 2 PM and November 3rd at 2 PM and 8 PM at the Strath Haven Middle School, 200 South Providence Road (Route 252), Wallingford, PA 19086. For tickets go to https://www.rvco.org/Tickets.php or call their ticket hotline at 610-565-5010.