Pirates set sail at UW-Stevens Point for ‘The Pirates of Penzance’

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Department of Theatre and Dance will stage “The Pirates of Penzance” Feb. 28 through March 2 and March 6 through 8 in Jenkins Theatre at the Noel Fine Arts Center, 1800 Portage St.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, Saturday, March 1, and Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8. Matinee shows will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, and Saturday, March 8.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff, and $16 for youth. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.uwsp.edu, by calling 715-346-4100, or in person at the Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center.

Written by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, the comedic opera follows Frederic, a young pirate apprentice who falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of a Major-General. As Frederic prepares to be released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, he discovers a complication. Born on Feb. 29, he realizes he is technically still a child, delaying his freedom. Despite his love for Mabel, Frederic’s commitment to duty remains steadfast.

“The department was looking for a large cast production with lots of fun and something that our students would not have the experience of doing previously,” said Mark Hanson, associate professor and production director.

The production features a cast of 28 students and a full pit orchestra comprised of student and professional community musicians. It will be the first traditional pit orchestra at UW-Stevens Point in eight years.

“I hope audiences enjoy the high energy of the production numbers and the ridiculous nature of the story,” Hanson said. “Who doesn’t love pirates?”