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      Wayne Goodman, Jeff Lowe (photo by Vallejo Music Theatre Staff)

The popularity of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular opera, “The Pirates of Penzance,” still engrains itself in contemporary culture.   In television shows and movies, references of the piece emerge frequently.    First time director, Shelia Atwater, had envisioned a production of “Pirates” two years ago.    Then, both her and her husband, musical director, Donald Atwater, had began navigating their ambitious adventurous.  This month, they release their sails to course.  Shelia had rocked the waves at Vallejo Music Theatre.  She had selected a fitting crew of musical performers to make an enjoyable production.

 You can call Jo Nash, the choreographer, an admirable Admiral to Atwater’s fleet.  Nash’s choreography further livens up the show.   Her work is clever and funny.  She embellishes each group of characters with specific nuances.  I loved the rocking pacing of the police crew.    The maidens’ melodramatic arm extensions and “woe is me” gestures work well with Sullivan’s composition.  In one number, the pirates dance within the audience.

The performances take place at Vallejo Music Theatre’s new home, the Marin Street Theatre.  I find it to be one of the most intimate performance spaces in Vallejo.  The background scenery was skillfully hand painted to create an enchanting background.   Lynn Combs, an award winning costume designer, instills the romantic elements of the late 19^th Century.   Pianist Richard Riccardi and flutist Sandy Riccardi accompany the cast with live music.

Wayne Goodman, a professional film actor, graces the shores of Vallejo with his outstanding performance. It is not an easy feat to wrap eloquence around Gilbert’s rhythmic rhyming.   As Major-General Stanley, Goodman delivers the famous piece “I am a Major General” with panache, crisp diction, and humor. He flavors his role with a pungent dash of British poise.   I enjoyed his connection with the audience. 

Jeff Lowe gives an animated performance as the Pirate King.  Lowe, also, captivates the audience with his outgoing demeanor.   His robust voice is apt for a commanding pirate.  Yet, he plays the Pirate King’s softer side as well.  Dan Garfinkle lends a great deal of comedy to his role as the Pirate Lieutenant.   His pan expressions are delightful to watch.  Their pirate band includes performers, Kiernan Morgan and Mike Stevenson.  As a woman who fancies herself a bit of a nave, I appreciate that the pirate crew included female performer, Lee-Ann D’Amato.  

Perron Rynning, as the Sergeant of Police, was hilarious.  He seemed to be in absolute control of the Sergeant’s stoic manner.  He led the chorus of police in some of the funniest scenes in the play.  Rob Cravats, Aaron Oxford, Gene Kieslowski, and Kevin de Acacia make up the comedic bunch.  They, including Rynning, double as pirates in the first act. 

The police try to save the Major-General’s daughters from being abducted into marriage by the pirates.  Yet, they cannot save one daughter, Mabel, from falling in love with Frederic, the Pirate Apprentice.  Frederic tries to abandon the life of the pirate.  His nursemaid, Ruth, reveals that she has deceived him.  She brings him to the pirates as a young orphan boy.  Ruth vainly tries to encourage Frederic to stay with the pirates. Frederic leaves and finds the group of maidens, all daughters of Major-General Stanley.  He warns them of the pirates’ impending arrival.   He falls in love with Mabel, one of the maidens.  When the pirates arrive, they want the maidens as wives.  The maidens are sparred by the Major-General’s sympathetic plea that he was an orphan.  As the pirates were orphans, they release the maidens.  The storyline unravels with unexpecting implications. 

When performed well, Gilbert’s witty and humorous poetry is entertaining.  It is the 19^th Century version of  “the spoken word.”  Gilbert insinuates on the paradoxes of human nature.  Vocally, the entire cast accomplishes an impressive job. 

Arie Singer as Mabel, has performed in several companies, such as the San Francisco Lyric Opera.  She brings her seasoned skills to Vallejo.  Singer’s soprano voice can carry the musical challenges of Sullivan’s score.   There is great chemistry between Singer and Will Atherton, who plays Frederic.  Atherton brings a boyish quality to his character.  Initially, Atherton did not stand out in the first scene with the pirates.  But, he gradually became more pronounced on stage.   Kate Henry Kravets  gives a very lively performance as the savvy Ruth.

Ella Pennington, who attends Benicia High School, stood out vocally among the maidens.  Pennington’s voice is refreshing and alluring.  I hope that Pennington will pursue a career in musical theatre.  She has the looks and the talent to do so.   She reminded me of  Sierra Bolzen, who currently plays Ariel in the Broadway production of “The Little Mermaid.” 

Aileen Weddell,  Bunny Nash, Jennifer Cismowski, Jackie Decker, Kari Weeden, and Patricia Harrington make up the group of distressed maidens.  They have obviously put much time in rehearsing Nash’s dance routines.  Nash’s daughter, Bunny, obviously inherited her mother’s confidence on stage.  As one of the youngest in the ensemble, she looked out to the audience as she performed.  I think the other maidens can learn from watching her.  Often, I would see eyes looking at each other, as if questioning their steps.   But, I was not deterred from enjoying their dances. 

The production is a great treat.  It is filled with outstanding vocal performances.  The Atwaters’ provide the audience a very fun time as they set anchor to their first directorial endeavor.   I hope that they will launch more.    If you enjoyed the Pirates Festival, this one could be for you, especially for the costume and sing-a-long performances.

Performances until October 26th, Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.                              Marin Street Theatre                                                                                                                                  823 Marin Street, Vallejo                                                                                                                General (but not Major) $23, Seniors & Military $20, Students $16,                                                children 5 and under, Free      Group Discounts Available                                             www.vallejomusictheatre.org   707-649-2787                                                                                        Costume and Sing-A-Long Saturdays, October 11, 18