SC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point's Department of Theatre and Dance is preparing to present "The Pirates of Penzance," a comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. The performances are scheduled from February 28 to March 2, and March 6 to 8 at the Jenkins Theatre within the Noel Fine Arts Center, located at 1800 Portage St., Stevens Point.

Showtimes are set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, Saturday, March 1, and Thursday through Saturday from March 6 to 8. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, and Saturday, March 8.

Ticket prices are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and UW-Stevens Point faculty and staff, while youth tickets cost $16. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.uwsp.edu, via phone by calling 715-346-4100 or in person at the Information and Tickets Office in the Dreyfus University Center in Stevens Point.

The story centers around Frederic, a young pirate apprentice who falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of a Major-General. His release from apprenticeship is complicated by his birth date on February 29th which technically makes him still a child despite being very much in love with Mabel.

“The department was looking for a large cast production with lots of fun and something that our students would not have the experience of doing previously,” said Mark Hanson, associate professor and production director.

After nearly two decades without Gilbert & Sullivan's comic operas on stage at UWSP, this production will feature a cast of 28 students along with an orchestra composed of both student musicians and professional community members. Hanson expressed excitement about having a traditional pit orchestra involved for the first time in eight years.

“I hope audience enjoy the high energy of the production numbers and the ridiculous nature of the story,” said Hanson. He added enthusiastically: “Who doesn’t love Pirates?”