The Pirates of Penzance
Atlanta Opera
through January 30, 2022

This classic is a typically nutty rhyming opus by Gilbert & Sullivan. Seems that young Frederic (Santiago Ballerini) was to be trained to be a ship’s pilot. But, an error was made and his nursemaid, Ruth (Katherine Goeldner), who had apprenticed him to a pirate. That would be bad enough, except that Frederic was born on February 29th and when he seeks to depart from his piratical cohorts and take up a life of ethical behavior, they figure out that he is not really 21, but only 5 years of age. So, what’s a fellow to do? You have to do your duty, and Frederic is nothing if not a slave to duty.

He’s not had much exposure to, or of, women. But, he does run into a band of winsome lasses on the beach and falls in love with Mabel (Susanne Burgess) who happens to be the daughter of an off-the-wall Major General (Curt Olds). Don’t worry. You can easily get lost in the plot and the lyrics, but all shall be well in the end.

The cast is superb. Susanne Burgess is incredibly good and exciting. Her solfege skills are exemplary. And Curt Olds brings down the house with laughter as the very model of a modern Major General. He can also recite more words faster than most of us can listen. Daniel Sumegi plays the Sgt. Bobby who laments that a policeman’s lot is not a happy one. And the entire cast of many players is spot-on for this production.

With a full orchestra in the pit under the baton of Francesco Milioto you will be thinking that you wish to sing along or get up and dance. But, just chill out and enjoy the 2 hour 45 minute performance. We stand and salute Sean Curran who choreographed the opus and also is the director. Yes, it is a goofy story; but that’s deliberate. If William Gilbert were still around he’d undoubtedly be pleased that the Atlanta Opera’s version is tweaked a bit to update a few lines. But, life goes on.

Full rules are in place so bring your CDC card and wear your mask at all times. More info and tickets at AtlantaOpera.org