At least once a year, Bloomington-Normal’s opera company MIOpera does something on the lighter side.
According to Artistic Director Tracy Koch, this weekend’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” is a perfect fit.
“It is a combination of musical theatre and opera,” Koch said. “And it’s a really great opera to start with. Not only is it in English, it’s also hysterical.”
The 1879 Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is a revival for MIOpera, which also marks its debut performances at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts this weekend. The company previously held shows in the Astroth Auditorium at Heartland Community College. The move to downtown Bloomington provides more pre- and post-show dining options for patrons, and capacity for theatrical elements that were lacking in their previous venue: a main curtain and orchestra pit, to name a few.
“We're in this space that was made for opera," Koch said. "I’m really excited to bring the production back in a new, fresh way.”
“Dated” may be an understated way of describing some aspects of “The Pirates of Penzance.”
“It’s more than dated,” Koch said, admitting that several moments in the original script are nothing short of cringeworthy.
“There were references in there I had to go and look up,” Koch said. “I’ve updated the dialog to be more modern, but retained the story and retained the jokes.”
Centered on a swashbuckling apprentice named Frederic, “Pirates of Penzance” is mainly about duty. Frederic falls in love with a young maiden, Mabel, after completing his tenure on a pirate ship on his 21st birthday. But because his birthday is Feb. 29, Frederic feels he must return to his post—having only had five actual birthdays. Mabel pledges to wait for him.
Koch also infuses her productions with active staging, moving the singers around the stage in lieu of what she calls a “park and bark” approach. And this remount of the first show Koch ever directed is near and dear to her heart.
"I think of all the Gilbert and Sullivans, 'Pirates of Penzance' has the most staying power," she said. "And it's just great music. It's fun and it's memorable."
‘Romeo and Juliet’ postponed
MIOpera’s companion classical work, meant to premiere in July, has been postponed due to the abrupt closure of presenting partner The Springfield Ballet.
Koch learned of the nearly 50-year-old dance company and school’s end two weeks ago, after more than a year of planning for a joint production of Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
“Losing any kind of arts organization in a community, whether it’s here or in central Illinois, is just a very sad thing,” Koch said. “We feel for them.”
MIOpera had planned to use Springfield Ballet’s sets, costumes, dancers and choreographers to bring “Romeo and Juliet” to life. MIOpera opted to postpone the premiere until February 2024 and is seeking a new partner company.
Springfield Ballet's folding comes less than a year after restructuring as a contracted professional company. Director Adam Sage assumed leadership following three high-profile departures in 2021. The former artistic team left to open a new studio and pre-professional company, Copper Coin Ballet.
Koch said financial trouble was the reason for Springfield Ballet closing; the company was not immediately available for comment.
“The Pirates of Penzance” runs Friday through Sunday at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, 600 N. East St., Bloomington. Tickets are $29-$49 at miopera.net.
