The Utah Symphony & Opera production of "The Pirates of Penzance" in Deer Valley next weekend will mark a reunion of sorts for a trio of artists.
For soprano Lisa Vroman, tenor George Dyer and stage director Patricia-Maria Weinmann, the Gilbert and Sullivan comic masterpiece Friday and Saturday will be their third joint appearance at the outdoor venue. And their third G&S operetta.
The three collaborated for the first time two years ago in "The Mikado," during the Deer Valley Music Festival's inaugural season. They returned last year for "H.M.S. Pinafore."
And judging from what they told the Deseret Morning News during a joint interview in Abravanel Hall, the three had so much fun that it's a given they should return for yet another G&S musical romp. "There was an instant synergy among us," Weinmann said, "so it's an enormous gift to be back with them."
Vroman, who has been a frequent guest artist with the Utah Symphony over the past several years, said it's unusual for this kind of rapport among cast members.
That's why she agreed to return this year. "It's more enjoyable," Vroman said, "when everyone gets along."
"Often," Weinmann added, "there's a lot of strife and technical issues and problems with props. But not here. Everyone has a great time, and the company does everything possible to have things run smoothly."
Dyer, who makes his home in Utah, enjoys the casual mood at Deer Valley. "At the opera, there's a lot of formality. But here, you can just throw out a blanket, sit and have a wonderful time. There is a feel-good atmosphere at Deer Valley."
And "The Pirates of Penzance" lends itself readily to the laid-back ambience at the symphony's summer residence.
When the operetta opens, Frederic, a pirate apprentice, has reached his 21st birthday and the end of his apprenticeship. He's fallen in love with Mabel, a ward of Major General Stanley, and plans to leave the pirates and turn them in.
But the Pirate King has found a loophole to keep Frederic within their ranks.
It turns out Frederic was born in a leap year, on Feb. 29, technically making him only 5 and still bound to the pirate band. The young man's sense of duty is so strong that he feels obligated to remain with the pirates until he turns 21 by his actual birth date, which won't be for another 60 years.
But all isn't lost for the young, unwilling pirate and Mabel. It turns out that the pirates have a weakness — they have a soft spot for orphans, being orphans themselves. And that is the clever ruse that eventually brings the operetta to its foregone happy resolution.
All of this delightful nonsense is couched in Gilbert's witty lyrics and dialogue, and Sullivan's irresistibly alluring tunes. " 'The Pirates of Penzance,' like 'The Mikado' and 'H.M.S. Pinafore,' is fun and entertaining," Vroman said. "You can't help but love it."
And it appeals to a broad audience. Vroman said some friends who live in Park City came to "H.M.S. Pinafore" last year. "They have two teenage boys, who are 14 and 16 now, and they just loved it. Everyone had such a good time, the boys can't wait to come and see 'Pirates.' "
As with the two previous G&S operettas, "Pirates" will be semi-staged with costumes and minimal props. "The costumes are glorious," Vroman said. "They're top drawer."
Gerald Steichen returns to conduct the two performances. Vroman said she is looking forward to working with him again this year. "Jerry is such a unique being. He is extremely helpful, and the orchestra loves him."
Besides Vroman, who sings Mabel, and Dyer, who plays Frederic, the other leads are also veterans of Deer Valley's G&S operettas — Michael J. Wanko as Major General Stanley; Donald Sherrill as Sergeant of Police; and Melissa Parks as Ruth. Carlos Archuleta, who was seen last March as Papageno in Utah Opera's production of Mozart's "The Magic Flute," sings the role of the Pirate King.
Dyer, who has undertaken a number of roles at Utah Opera over the years, said he's always happy when he can perform for a hometown crowd. But he admitted that singing at 7,000 feet is a challenge. "It takes its toll on you."
Vroman agreed, saying that after a while, "your (vocal) cords feel like sandpaper."
"But we keep coming back, because we love it," Dyer said.
If you go
What: "The Pirates of Penzance"
Where: Deer Valley Amphitheater
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday
How much: $48-$55 reserved seating, $25 lawn
Phone: 355-2787 or 888-451-2787
E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com