‘The Pirates of Penzance’ opera steals Liberty’s Concert Hall stage this weekend

Photos by Joel Isimeme

The opera is coming to the Liberty University stage this weekend as the School of Music performs “The Pirates of Penzance” in the Center for Music and the Worship Arts, Concert Hall. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Written by famed Victorian duo W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, the show is filled with wit and whimsy. The story follows a young orphan named Frederic who is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted pirates on an adventurous search for treasure and romance.

“Gilbert and Sullivan are very funny,” said Justin Robinson, a graduate student. “The comedy, the way the lines are written to be delivered the way the music kind of interplays — once it all comes together we will have something that people will really get to enjoy. Everybody needs a good laugh.”

“The music in this production is very fast-paced,” added junior Abby Dawson, who plays the role of Mable. “It also is in old English. I think it has challenged me personally, requiring me to know exactly who my character is and connecting with her so I can portray her story.”

She added that the opera’s director, Dr. Wayne Kompelien, provides steady guidance to the performers. Kompelien, a professor of voice, founded Liberty’s opera program in 1987 and has led it since.

“He knows what it takes,” Dawson said. “He really pushes you to reach your potential.”

Junior Luke Jackson said he appreciates the challenge of performing classical music.

“This show has stretched me so much,” he said. “Between the music, memorization, and learning to feed off of one another as actors, it has been a lot of work.”

Kompelien said he appreciates watching the students take ownership of their roles, bringing fresh perspectives.

“A lot of creativity comes through the students because they can get comfortable with these characters,” Kompelien said. “It is fun to see them actually create a lot of things without you telling them what to do. I think that has been really enjoyable — watching them become free in their expression.”

The group of 30 performers have grown close during production.

“The cool thing is most everyone in the cast was in a previous class together so this production is really just a continuation of those friendships, and its brought us even closer together,” junior Carlton Yelle said.

The School of Music has a number of events scheduled through the end of the semester, including nights of worship, orchestra concerts, and various instrumental and vocal performances. Visit the School of Music event schedule for dates, times, and locations.

To purchase tickets, visit Liberty.edu/Tickets or call 434-582-SEAT (7328) during weekday business hours.