Joseph Papp’s version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Pen- zance” is currently playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.
VICTORIAN-ERA BRITISH OPERETTA
IS A WINNER IN SUMMER OF 2014
Joseph Papp’s ‘modernized’ version
By Eddie Applefeld
Over the many years I have been attending shows at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, either in Columbia or the one at the Travel Plaza when it was open, I have never experienced a bad production.
There might have been a few shows I liked less than others, but that was a personal choice, not indicative of the actual perfor- mance. That still holds true to this day after seeing their latest production, “The Pirates of Penzance” by Gilbert & Sullivan.
The story comes from the fifth collaboration between librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan as they worked their magic again to produce this comic opera. And the production goes back many years, having celebrated its official New York premiere on December 31, 1879.
It opened three months later in London in April of 1880 and was the only Gilbert & Sullivan operetta that premiered in New York.
“Pirates” became an immediate New York hit. And the song that has become identified with the show — the “Major-General’s Song” — has been widely parodied almost since it was first heard.
The show had a return to New York exactly 100 years later, in 1980, when it was produced by Joseph Papp in Central Park and then on Broadway, where it ran for 787 performances, winning the Tony for that year’s Best Revival. In 1921 the first complete recording of the score was produced under the direction of the great impresario Rupert D’Oyly Carte.
Toby’s is running the streamlined modernized version of the comic opera produced by Papp.
One interesting bit of trivia: It has been reported that Sir Arthur Sullivan wrote the music in reverse, something quite unusual in musical theater. In other words, he penned the music of the second act before he composed the first.
Most songwriters like to begin at the beginning. They claim it makes for an easier flow of musical ideas and set pieces. But for whatever reason, it had no effect on the success of the final production.
Kevin Kline and Linda Ronstadt starred in a 1980 New York produc- tion of “The Pirates of Penzance” that was reprised on film in 1983.
A popular Hollywood film version was released in 1983 starring Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, Angela Lansbury and Rex Smith, the stars of the New York production, along with George Rose as the Major-General.
Okay, let’s get back to the show at Toby’s.
Simply put, I can recommend it for the entire family. The talented ensemble has put together a show that I do believe will entertain most members of the family, although possibly not the very young.
Here’s something that might shock you — the play has pirates in it!
The lead pirate is Frederic, who, after being betrayed by his childhood nurse, falls instantly in love with the sweet and innocent Mabel, as does she with him. However, this happens, that happens, then this happens again and guess what, they ultimately wind up together.
So in other words, like so so many plays, “The Pirates of Penzance” is really all about love. The difference is how we get there.
“West Side Story” had its balcony, “Okla- homa” had the social, “The King and I” had Siam. “The Pirates of Penzance” has pirates.
Unfortunately, regarding dinner theaters, Toby’s Columbia is pretty much the only game in town, with the exception of the Oregon Ridge Dinner Theatre, which is the performing home of the Baltimore Actors’ Theatre that began as far back as the late 1950’s/early ’60’s.
Over the years however there were more than six dinner theaters in the Baltimore area from which to choose.
Is there anyone who remembers Garland, Bolton Hill, Limestone, Petrucci’s or Colony 7?
Mounting the shows with all the necessities (props, costumes, lights, makeup, staff and food) is not inexpensive. Add to that all the other means of entertainment available to theatergoers — Baltimore is fortunate to have numerous theaters such as Center Stage and a vast array of community theaters — and you’ll quickly see why only the very strong survive.
Toby’s is presenting evening and matinee performances of “The Pirates of Penzance” through Aug. 31. Reservations are required and group rates are available. Tickets range from $37.50 to $56, with discounts for seniors and student groups.
Lead pirate Frederic falls in love with Mabel, the sweetest of a group of young women in Gil- bert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance,” now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia.
The buffet, which can change from show to show, is always good: You get your salad, fruit, veggies, side dishes, main entrees, desserts, non- alcoholic drinks and an ice cream bar.
If you’ve never been to Toby’s, by all means check it out, if not for “Pirates,” then for “Memphis” — the 2010 Tony Award-winning Best Musical — opening Sept. 5, followed by “Mary Poppins,” scheduled for November through February.
Call 410.995.1969 from Baltimore, 410.730.8311 from Columbia, 301.596.6161 from Washington, 1.800.88.TOBYS (1.800.888.6297) toll-free, or go to tobysdinnertheatre.com online.
Toby’s is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Road in Columbia.
mistermedia@comcast.net
Editor’s note: A Marylander since day one, Towson University graduate and member of the local media for over 30 years, Eddie Applefeld is currently handling promotions at WCBM TalkRadio (680AM). This is his initial contribution to Voice of Baltimore.
VoB Managing Editor Alan Z. Forman contributed to this report.
