Massey’s ‘Pirates of Penzance’ a show that will please all ages

Vincent Massey High School students have been busy preparing for their upcoming major production. Under the direction and leadership of drama teacher Nancy Pitcairn, Pirates of Penzance will please audiences of all ages.

To be honest when I first heard that the school had taken on such an ambitious musical I was a bit skeptical. It hasn’t even been attempted by a theatre group or high school since the 1970s in Brandon. The wording can be dated if it isn’t performed with understanding and passion by the actors. As well the music is very difficult. When I say difficult I mean it. You need strong singers and musicians alike to tackle the fabulous works of Gilbert and Sullivan. This was certainly proven once first time choral director Marla Fontaine had a chance to look over the music. Fontaine was blown away by the intricate changes each piece possessed. She knew it would be a challenge to direct and would need some powerful singers. Luckily for Pitcairn and Fontaine, power is what they got. The auditions were so strong that a double casting was needed for the two lead roles.

The maturity of the leads is outstanding,especially considering the fact that it is the first time for two of them to be cast as such and for another who is only in Grade 10 (a feat rarely achieved by such a young student). A regular on the football field, Cameron Tataryn may be used to wearing a uniform but this will be his first time with a different kind of weight on his shoulders. Tataryn and Rory Graham will be sharing the male lead role of Frederic, a young pirate apprentice forced to serve on the ship until his 21st birthday. Graham is no stranger to the theatre world; he was Harvey in Massey’s Bye Bye Birdie last year and played the title role of Oliver with 7 Ages Productions. Music is a big part of Graham’s life. He plays many instruments and is currently writing the music for the upcoming Calvin and Hobbes Musical produced by the Vincent Massey Musical Theatre class. Both Tataryn and Graham add their own personality to the role with Tataryn’s voice having a sweet sound to it and Graham’s with a harder rock edge.

As for the girls, Natasha Fung and Emily Campbell take ownership of the role of Mable. Daughter to the Major General Stanley, who will be portrayed by Jacob Toth, Mable has fallen head over heels for Fredric and adds the romance portion of this Pirates’ tale. This is the first time Natasha Fung has taken such a lead role in a musical. I have been lucky enough to sit in on a few rehearsals and the word powerful doesn’t do Fung justice. The strength this young woman has in her voice is remarkable and is far more mature than her years let on. Fung will be cast alongside Graham for the Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. performances at the WMCA. For the Wednesday school matinee and Thursday 7:30 p.m. performance Tataryn will have Emily Campbell as his Mable.

Campbell is the youngest cast member of the leads, yet her experiences with vocal jazz, Brandon Conservatory Chorale and numerous other endeavours have given her the maturity to take on this role. Where Fung has power behind her vocals, Campbell has control and a sweet innocence. It is this combination that will make for two completely different shows depending on which cast you see.

Vincent Massey has truly outdone itself with this production. I have gone from skeptical to excited thanks to the unbelievable cast and the hard work and talent of Pitcairn, Fontaine, solo vocal director Kara Dixon, orchestra director Brent Campbell, choreographer Linda Kearns, and the many others who have contributed to the production. With pirates, romance, deception, action, sword fights, dancing, and singing, Pirates of Penzance has a little something for all audiences.

Pirates of Penzance runs at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Nov. 26, 27 and 28.

Tickets are $13 for adults, &10 for students and seniors, and $6 for those 12 years and under.

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