“Pirates” a humorous, musical treat

Tom Titus

Perhaps the social satire created over a century ago by Gilbert and

Sullivan isn’t your cup of English tea. Nevertheless, you’d be

hard-pressed not to thoroughly enjoy the glittering production of “The

Pirates of Penzance” now on stage at Golden West College.

This production earns high marks in all respects -- musical talent,

slapstick comedy and sheer showmanship. It’s as close to professional

theater as you’re going to encounter on the community or collegiate

level.

Director and choreographer Grant Rosen has enriched the traditional

British favorite with some contemporary comedy, including references to

the show itself and the fact that the Golden West College actors are

performing gratis. But what sets this production apart is its impeccable

timing. The comedy hits its mark smoothly, even if its targets haven’t

prevailed since the late 19th century.

True, the plot itself abounds in antique silliness -- a young pirate,

improperly apprenticed to the buccaneer’s trade, clinging grimly to his

“sense of duty” even as he yearns for an honest life and the love of a

comely maiden. But this is only the jumping-off place for a succession of

even sillier antics and soaring musicality that give the show its

illustrious impact.

Under the baton of musical director Bruce Bales, the satirical

compositions of Arthur Sullivan ring beautifully on the ears --

particularly those delivered by the sterling soprano tones of Samara

Otero, a splendid combination physical beauty and operatic acumen, in the

leading role of Mabel. Vocal stylings such as these are rarely found on a

nonprofessional stage.

The revved motor driving the pseudo-pirate plot is Thomas Patrick’s

robust pirate king, a commanding, whip-cracking figure who often must be

reminded of the correct word to finish a sentence, a nice running gag.

Patrick’s high energy and comedic gifts continually enrich the

production.

Alex Robert Rodriguez is endearing as the callow youth mistakenly

recruited by the sea scourges whose sense of honor is tested when he’s

informed that, since he was born on Feb. 29, he owes the pirates a few

decades more of service before his “21st birthday.” His relationship with

the former nursemaid, more than twice his age (a splendid performance by

Elizabeth A. Bouton), who fancies him is a particular hoot.

The plum role of the major general with the plethora of young

daughters is expertly handled by the diminutive David Jordan Nestor, who

brings a stereotypical British befuddlement to his assignment. His

“Modern Major General” number (in which he also requires prompting to

find the proper rhyming line) is a highlight of the show.

They call out the cops in the second act, and several pirates switch

uniforms and become bobbies, mercilessly spoofing the English

constabulary, which may have inspired Max Sennett’s Keystone Kops of the

1920s. This segment provides a showcase for the remarkable physical

comedy of Edward C. Bangasser as the police sergeant -- a superbly

styled, rubber-limbed performance with equal parts of buffoonery and

athletic prowess.

Technical director Sigrid Wolf and coordinator Mark Craig have

delivered a beautifully detailed setting with an almost realistic ocean

backing. The costumes of Susan Thomas Babb and Robin S. Whitney are rich

and colorful, with the epaulets of rank on Nestor’s robe a particularly

effective touch.

Director Rosen has packed his production with sight gags and double

takes while musical director Bales keeps the choral level at a stellar

pitch. These “Pirates” will steal your heart by way of the funny bone.

FYI

WHAT: “The Pirates of Penzance”

WHERE: Golden West College Mainstage Theater

WHEN: Closing performances tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday

at 3 p.m.

COST: $16.50 - $18.50

PHONE: (714) 895-8150

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.