“The Pirates of Penzance” – Arizona Opera
This review aired on KBAQ October 25, 2010
ARIZONA OPERA’S “PIRATES” TOO OPERATIC
“THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE”
Arizona Opera, Symphony Hall
Phoenix, AZ
When Gilbert and Sullivan operettas premiered in the late 19th century, they were theatrical revolutions. For the first time, contemporary theater included pointed political slams. Today, these now creaky shows don’t have the sting they once had and the sing songy music isn’t as pleasing. The silly stories now plod, and, while a few political jabs are still potent, they represent a distant historical time without much relevance today.
For a Gilbert and Sullivan piece like Arizona Opera’s weekend staging of “The Pirates … Continue Reading