Severn News

The Making of a Musical: Pirates of Penzance at Severn

When the curtains were drawn on opening night with a full orchestra on stage, stunning costumes, and exuberant performances by the Water Street Players, it felt like magic. Effortless. We laughed, we gasped, and laughed some more as song after song, dance after dance our Upper School players transported us into the world of Gilbert and Sullivan’s famed musical, Pirates of Penzance. As with any great performance, that which looks effortless is actually the product of hours of work and unwavering dedication. We invite you to watch behind the scenes footage of the whole process!

The Water Street Players Rise to the Challenge

Directed by Upper School Drama teacher Mr. Ron Giddings, Pirates of Penzance proved to be a feat for both veterans and newcomers to the Water Street Players at Severn. Three quarters of the lines in the play are sung by the cast of 28 with dancing throughout and only a few solos during the performance. The entire cast is on stage for more than half of the performance, with many of the actors playing dual roles. Through tireless rehearsal and single-minded commitment to the show, our players pulled of a seemingly effortless performance of this challenging and timeless operetta.

Thank you to Upper School Art Department chair Mr. Greg Bullen for music direction, Ms. Kathy Fegan for costumes and styling, Ms. Heather Mork for set design and tech direction, and the many parents, students and friends that supported our performers along the way. Click here for a full list of the cast and crew.

Don't forget to save the date for the Players’ spring dramatic production of Black Comedy: A Farce in the Dark on April 20, 21, and 23!

 


Want to learn more about our dramatic arts program at Severn?
We offer a fully developed and robust range of opportunities to explore and express creativity—at any level—on the stage and behind the scenes.
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