Story reprinted in part,
from The Northern Review.

By Nathan Grizenko

William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s whimsical and comedic operetta, “The Pirates of Penzance,” will return to the Freed Center for the Performing Arts April 6-9 since its last showing in 1993.

Kirsten Osbun Manley, the program director of the Ohio Northern University’s musical theater program, is directing the show with the intention of exposing her students to a new style of music to challenge them vocally.

Manely decided to do an operetta since one has not been performed since the 1999 performance of “H.M.S. Pinafore.”

Operettas are what Manley refers to as the “bastard child of opera,” characterized by their witty, light plots and “catchy tunes.”

For two weeks the cast, composed of musical theater majors and music majors, solely focused on music and dialogue. It is imperative that they use proper vocal technique as they will not be allowed to wear body microphones during the performances.

Manley said the integration of both musical theater majors and strictly music majors is becoming a much more popular practice in theater. She attributes her support for this movement to her personal preference of a “likeable” cast:

“I don’t look at majors; I look at who’s going to fit the role the best and who’s going to be believable in the role,” Manley said.

Music majors typically sing more classical literature, making them very strong vocally, especially for opera, which requires strong vocal technique. Musical theater students are exposed to different music styles including pop rock, legit style, and contemporary musical theater.

For the next few weeks, the cast will prepare themselves to not only remember dialogue and lyrics but also determine how they will interact with the set and other characters.

"Pirates" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. from April 6 through 9 and at 2:30 p.m. on April 8 and 9. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and staff, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students and children. The box office phone number is 419-772-1900.