'Pirates' brings adventure, humor to stage

Although pirates will be invading the University Theatre, there is no cause for alarm -- they are actors in "The Pirates of Penzance," the final production of the 2000-2001 season.\n"The Pirates of Penzance," by Gilbert and Sullivan, focuses on a soft-hearted band of buccaneers who refuse to attack anyone weaker than them. They are led by the raucous Pirate King, played by senior John Armstrong. The troupe's plans are thwarted when the central character, Frederic, played by senior Stan Wash, desires to leave the trade. This comedic musical includes subplots about invasions, romantic endeavors and indentured servitude, according to a press release.\nStage Manager Ann Aurbach said the plot balances the ideal "every man gets his woman" and Frederic's loyalty and sense of duty. She said the set, costumes and lights complement one another in lending reality to professor and director George Pinney\'s artistic concept.\n"As the stage manager, I am very proud of all aspects of the production," she said. "All of the designers in team with the director have created a very realistic yet semi-storybook feel to this show." \nTo complement the performance, Professor Vincent Liotta will deliver a lecture, "Gilbert and Sullivan: An Ingenious Paradox," at 3:30 p.m. today in the University Club, Indiana Memorial Union room 150. Liotta said he was eager to lecture about the history of the show because of his experience lecturing at last year's spring musical.\n"I'm planning to talk about the background of the piece, (so attendants) will gain a bit more insight of the history and of the people who wrote it," he said, "which are some of the things that might help people appreciate the show a bit more."\nA scene from the show will follow the talk.\nAurbach said the operetta is a unique chance for theatergoers to expand their horizons.\n"The music is very catchy and the dancers are a delight to watch," she said. "I was not originally a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan before becoming part of the production team, but the music has definitely grown on me during the production process as I watch it being translated -- at risk of sounding cliched -- from the page to the stage"