2013, The Pirates of Penzance
Directed by Meg Warren and Tam Smith MD Ian Lowe, with Eltham Orchestra
SHOW PROGRAM
Tam joined Meg in directing a very energetic version of this classic by Gilbert and Sullivan. Here is an excerpt from Meg’s Director’s notes.
‘For as long as I can remember, going to the theatre has always been a source of great excitement and enjoyment and these feelings only increased when I began to perform myself. The experience of directing my first show has helped to resurface all these feelings and has “endeared the theatre to me tenfold”.
When Pirates of Penzance made its stage debut at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York on 31 December 1879 it was met with acclaim and success. And so it should have, as this success still continues today. DVS have produced two previous productions of this witty opera; both being quite different from the other and our production is different again.
My vision for this show was to create a vibrant, action-packed production that captured the audience’s imagination. Without a doubt, my favourite version of this opera is the 1980 performances in Madison Square Gardens where Kevin Kline commanded the stage as the Pirate King. I have drawn inspiration and my general love of good theatre from this. I hope you will agree that the cast has taken this 130-year-old production and created a fresh, 2013 version.’
As a result of this popular show, DVS donated $9000 to charity, making $139 300 in 28 years since 1985.
The Pirate band
Major General Stanley’s ‘daughters’
The brave policemen