La Sierra opera presents “The Pirates of Penzance”

  College of Arts & Sciences   Arts+Culture  

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A popular comedic opera created by famed 19th century musical duo W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan will take the stage next month at La Sierra University, in swashbuckling fashion.

Scenes from dress rehearsal for "The Pirates of Penzance" by La Sierra University's opera program.
Scenes from dress rehearsal for "The Pirates of Penzance" by La Sierra University's opera program.
(Left to right) La Sierra University students Paulette Jumalon, Karenna Brand, Stephanie Perez, Chad Osborne, Daniel Thomas, Jonathan Mamora, and Anthony Leon play their roles for “The Pirates of Penzance.”
(Left to right) La Sierra University students Paulette Jumalon, Karenna Brand, Stephanie Perez, Chad Osborne, Daniel Thomas, Jonathan Mamora, and Anthony Leon play their roles for “The Pirates of Penzance.”
Raejin Lee, director of vocal studies and opera program director at La Sierra University.
Raejin Lee, director of vocal studies and opera program director at La Sierra University.

La Sierra’s opera program, headed by Director of Vocal Studies Raejin Lee will present “The Pirates of Penzance,” a two-act opera which first debuted in New York City in 1879. The opera will be presented with a double cast in three performances at Hole Memorial Auditorium on Thurs., March 3 at 7 p.m., Sat., March 5 at 7 p.m., and Sun., March 6 at 3 p.m. The March 5 performance will feature a pre-show lecture at 6:15 p.m.

In keeping with the era’s trend toward tales involving pirates and bandits, librettist Gilbert and composer Sullivan tell the story of Frederic, a young man apprenticed by error to a band of kindly pirates who avoid attacking those who are weaker, and routinely free their captives if they are believed to be orphans. Soon after Frederic’s dismissal from his duties upon reaching the age of 21, he announces his intention to leave the pirates and devote himself to their extermination out of moral conscientiousness.

A naïve Frederic encounters trickery and love and discovers true beauty. But he ultimately remains true to duty when the pirates discover a loophole in the fine print of Frederic’s contract -- due to a leap year birthday Frederic is indentured to them until he is in his 80s. Meanwhile, the pirates seek vindication for a lie told by the Major-General Stanley, the father of Frederic’s love interest, Mabel. In the end, the pirates also are prevailed upon to act with honor and duty in a classic comedic twist.

The fully staged and costumed La Sierra production features university students in lead roles including Lexie Escobar as Major-General Stanley, Jonathan Mamora as the Pirate King, Paulette Jumalon and Stephanie Perez as Ruth, Anthony Leon as Frederic, Jake Luis as Samuel, Michael Patterson and Andres Maldonado as the Sergeant of Police, Susana Leiva and Leilani Kritzinger as Mabel, Natalyn Rodriguez and Daphne Leon as Edith, Majorie Ellenwood and Loyda Leon as Kate, and Lia Kritzinger as Isabel.

La Sierra alumnus and award-winning drama director Shane Wood serves as stage director, and music alumnus Sara Pinto da Silva serves as stage manager and assistant director. The La Sierra University Orchestra will perform under direction of Conductor Dean Anderson and Patterson who will also serve as assistant conductor.

A number of volunteers from around campus worked on sets and costumes, with costume designs created by music alumnus Jumalon who plays the piratical maid Ruth in the March 3 and 5 productions.

“This production is absolutely delightful and very funny,” said opera director Lee. “This operetta will be a great choice for people who think opera is too hard to understand. All the cast members have put their hearts into their characters and they sing beautifully.”

 

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