Playful Pirates, Policemen in 'Penzance' at West End

By Mary McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 4/3/03)

Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance was written almost 125 years ago, but it continues to entertain audiences this spring at West End Dinner Theatre in Alexandria.

The Tony Award-winning show presents a cast of orphan-pirates, cowardly policemen, a Major General and his eight daughters.

On his 21st birthday, Frederic (Jeffrey Shankle), a pirate’s apprentice, tells his fellow crew members of his wish to leave and lead an honest life. He urges his comrades to do the same, but the Pirate King (Thomas Howley), tells Frederic how it is "Better Far to Live and Die" as a pirate king.

In the second act, Frederic, who has fallen in love with Mabel (Janine Gulisano), the daughter of the Major General (Ron Sarro), discovers that he is actually bound by duty to serve the pirates for another 60 years. Being a man of his word, he tries to find a way to both honor Mabel and her father, and still fulfill his duty to the pirates.

This production at West End features many veteran actors, but a few are appearing at the theatre for the first time.

Shankle has appeared in a dozen plays at West End, as well as appearing in several other local theatres. Not only does Howley play the role of the Pirate King, he also built the set, as he has done for every play at the theatre since 1992.

Michael Kenny, a graduate of Catholic University, entertains the audience with his comical portrayal of the cowardly Sergeant of Police.

Two other cast members are also recent Catholic University graduates. Briana Zakszeski plays Daisy, one of the maidens, and Pablo Murica plays a pirate and policeman.

The melodramatic musical includes yet another plot twist with almost every one of its almost two dozen songs.

Some of the songs, with high tempos and sung by 10 or more actors, can be difficult to understand, but the playful cast, on an equally playful set, provides spirited singing with humorous lyrics that are enjoyable for an audience of any age.

The Pirates of Penzance runs at West End Dinner Theatre through June 29. For tickets or information call 703/370-2500.

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