OREM — The romantic silliness and witty satire of Gilbert and Sullivan's "HMS Pinafore" has remained an audience favorite for nearly 130 years.
But several things set the Utah Lyric Opera Society's production of "HMS Pinafore" apart. A 22-piece live orchestra will add richness. Supertitles, on screen above the set, help the audience follow along.
"HMS Pinafore," the fourth collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan, was the legendary duo's first blockbuster. This encouraged them to follow up with probably their most famous work, "Pirates of Penzance."
Pinafore explores loves between social classes. While the gentlemanly captain of the Pinafore has arranged for his daughter to marry Sir Joseph Porter, his daughter has her sights set on one of her father's seamen. Meanwhile, the captain fancies Buttercup, a poor bumboat woman. Sir Joseph has an admirer.
The focus then was on mirth and silliness, and the focus remains on mirth and silliness. Director Anna Murdock's goal is to tell the story so its easily understood.
"Gilbert and Sullivan are from another century, and my objective is to make the story obvious to the audience. I hope to make clear the wonderful humor these two men put into 'Pinafore,' "'" she said."It really pokes fun at the English and their class system, but we certainly can relate to it as well.
If you go . . .
What: "HMS Pinafore" HMS Pinafore
Where: SCERA Showhouse II, 745 S. State, Orem
When: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11-21 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays)
How much: $12 adults, $10 children
Phone: 225-2569
Web: www.scera.org