The Wilbury Group’s sunny Pirates of Penzance isn’t traditional Gilbert and Sullivan, but it’s very much a Wilbury Group production: immersive seating, a big cast, and a bunch of actors playing their own instruments, which in this case includes both a melodica and a triangle struck with a fake hook hand. It’s certainly an enthusiastic production; several actors were visibly sweaty by the intermission. I have a few questions – for instance, why is the Major General dressed like a paper cup? – and the bright lighting made it a little hard to focus on anything. Starting before sundown didn’t help. Luckily, the plot is really secondary to the fussy elocution and rapidly delivered songs. Jason Quinn (as the Pirate King) and Shannon Hartman (in a dual role) are vocal standouts, the latter seemingly unimpeded by a set of craggly fake teeth.
The show’s been extended through June 17.
