I hope you're prepared for the slew of theatre reviews / suggestions about to come your way. Philly Fringe breaks in less than 3 weeks, and to hype myself up, I took a second to talk with Mauckingbird Theatre Company. A unique compnay notorious for breaking rules and adding a heaping helping of gay to their productions of the classics. Name droppping, I got to work with one of the company's founders Lindsey Mauck during my days as Keno the Stripper in "The Full Monty," She's a gem, anywho, back to the Pirates!
Incase you've lived under a rock a quick synopsis, Young Frederic (Garrick Vaughn) newly released from indentured service from a band of raucous but ineffectual pirates, hopes to atone for his misdeeds. Before he can, he stumbles across the beautiful young Mabel (Laura Whittenberger) and her siblings. Surprisingly, the two fall instantly for each other. Their newfound affection is tested by her father, the formidable Major-General (Larry Lees); the duplicitous Pirate King (Jake Blouch); and Frederic's own unending sense of duty, not to mention the strangeness of their heterosexual love.
Director Peter Reynolds was quoted by BroadwayWorld.com saying "This version takes Gilbert and Sullivan's well-known storytelling a step further, exploring a "post-gay" vision of comic operetta. "For years, l have been looking forward to telling a classic Gilbert and Sullivan tale through Mauckingbird's unique lens. We are excited to incorporate our own brand of topsy-turvy into the original masters of topsy-turvy's – The Pirates of Penzance."
The cast is filled with so much talent, listing all of their acalades would put me well over my word count, so you can check out the press relase here.
The show runs August 20 – September 4 at Temple University’s Randall Theater, and tickets can be secured Online: http://www.mauckingbird.org they're totally affordable at just $25 Adult, $20 Senior, $15 Student (w/ID).