What
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) musical theater organization, VOX, will present a production of Pirates of Penzance, directed and choreographed by Kristy Chambrelli, WPI instructor of Musical Theatre Practicum, and conducted by Robin Gordon-Powell of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society of London. The play will be musically directed by John Delorey, WPI Instructor of Music and Allison Grocela ’12.
Who
WPI's Humanities and Arts Department obtained funding to invite Robin Gordon-Powell to come to WPI to conduct the orchestra for the performance of the Pirates of Penzance. Gordon-Powell is an orchestral conductor of Chamber Orchestra Camerata Santa Dorotea, a classical music publisher at The Amber Ring, and a trustee of the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society. He has spent the last decade unearthing Sullivan's autograph manuscripts, many of which he has edited and published for the first time.
Of Note
Director Chambrelli has taken the classic comic opera and adapted it to make it accessible to a modern American audience. Much of the scenic design is inspired by Gilbert and Sullivan productions at the Savoy Theatre, but there will be references to American pop culture and current UK news events.
Theater-goers will be provided with a traditional one-page program, and they will be able to link to additional information by scanning a QR code on their mobile devices. It is a greener way of providing the program information, and another way to engage WPI students.
When
September 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., also at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29.
• On Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. there will be a 20-minute presentation in the Great Hall on "how to be a Pirate," that will explain the history of the show, the conceits of Gilbert and Sullivan, and what the audience can expect. It is free and open to the public.
Where
The Great Hall at Alden Memorial, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, Mass.
Ticket Info
Tickets to the performances are $20 for general admission, or $10 with a student ID.
