The Pirates of Penzance
at Brethren Christian

Reviewed on March 12, 2016

Joyce Lee
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Brethren Christian dazzles with "The Pirates of Penzance"

With the drop of a flag and a boom of percussion, an ordinary boy transforms into a swashbuckling gentleman, launching Brethren Christian High School's production of "The Pirates of Penzance," a satirical comedy of love, duty and the misfortunes of leap year.

Spencer Hill as Frederic epitomizes tactless innocence. His mild-mannered speech paired with candid comments enhances the humor of his honesty, the offensive nature of his words softened only by the wide-eyed reverence he has towards Mabel.

Complementing Frederic's naiveté, the Pirate King (Joshua Gorrell) takes the stage with bravado and panache. Comedic timing and bold reactions characterize the King as a fearful, if unintentionally silly, person. His determination to end "Oh, Better Far to Live and Die" with a grand finale despite being stabbed in the leg speaks of a whimsical pride.

Playing Frederic's lover, Mabel, is Ashley Thinnsen, whose aristocratic beauty enraptures an inexperienced Frederic. Thinnsen's mastery of classical technique is evident in her sweet soprano, particularly when she sings a litany of high notes with clarity and resonance while strolling down the catwalk in "How Beautifully Blue the Sky."

Major-General Stanley (Dylan Brekke) contrasts Mabel's distinguished demeanor, his waddling gait and nasally voice giving him the appearance of a harmless grandfather. In the fast-paced song, "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General," Brekke impresses with clear-cut diction and exaggerated marching, matching with the tempo and never faltering in enunciation.

As the Sergeant of Police, Jewell Holloway maintains a spirited agility throughout the show. From one-handed cartwheels to bursts of elaborate tap-dancing, Holloway demonstrates a comfortable physicality and vocal strength through a steady, robust voice in his short dance sequences.

Overall, the vocal talents in the show are excellent. With consistent harmonies and a blend of rich and sweet voices, the cast highlights the elevated lyrics with clear articulation, making the show accessible and entertaining.

The Brethren Pit Orchestra underscored the production with a grandeur fit for the Victorian era, picking up cues impeccably and matching distinctive sounds with the actions of the cast, such as in "With Cat-Like Tread, Upon our Prey We Steal," where the percussion mirrors the stomps of the pirates as they sneak into Stanley's manor.

Through strong vocals and an expressive, hilarious cast, Brethren Christian High School successfully delivers a dazzling comedy, proving the triumphs of love and the ridicules of duty.

Joyce Lee
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Brethren Christian dazzles with "The Pirates of Penzance"

With the drop of a flag and a boom of percussion, an ordinary boy transforms into a swashbuckling gentleman, launching Brethren Christian High School's production of "The Pirates of Penzance," a satirical comedy of love, duty and the misfortunes of leap year.

Spencer Hill as Frederic epitomizes tactless innocence. His mild-mannered speech paired with candid comments enhances the humor of his honesty, the offensive nature of his words softened only by the wide-eyed reverence he has towards Mabel.

Complementing Frederic's naiveté, the Pirate King (Joshua Gorrell) takes the stage with bravado and panache. Comedic timing and bold reactions characterize the King as a fearful, if unintentionally silly, person. His determination to end "Oh, Better Far to Live and Die" with a grand finale despite being stabbed in the leg speaks of a whimsical pride.

Playing Frederic's lover, Mabel, is Ashley Thinnsen, whose aristocratic beauty enraptures an inexperienced Frederic. Thinnsen's mastery of classical technique is evident in her sweet soprano, particularly when she sings a litany of high notes with clarity and resonance while strolling down the catwalk in "How Beautifully Blue the Sky."

Major-General Stanley (Dylan Brekke) contrasts Mabel's distinguished demeanor, his waddling gait and nasally voice giving him the appearance of a harmless grandfather. In the fast-paced song, "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General," Brekke impresses with clear-cut diction and exaggerated marching, matching with the tempo and never faltering in enunciation.

As the Sergeant of Police, Jewell Holloway maintains a spirited agility throughout the show. From one-handed cartwheels to bursts of elaborate tap-dancing, Holloway demonstrates a comfortable physicality and vocal strength through a steady, robust voice in his short dance sequences.

Overall, the vocal talents in the show are excellent. With consistent harmonies and a blend of rich and sweet voices, the cast highlights the elevated lyrics with clear articulation, making the show accessible and entertaining.

The Brethren Pit Orchestra underscored the production with a grandeur fit for the Victorian era, picking up cues impeccably and matching distinctive sounds with the actions of the cast, such as in "With Cat-Like Tread, Upon our Prey We Steal," where the percussion mirrors the stomps of the pirates as they sneak into Stanley's manor.

Through strong vocals and an expressive, hilarious cast, Brethren Christian High School successfully delivers a dazzling comedy, proving the triumphs of love and the ridicules of duty.

Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Brethren Christian's 'Pirates' Sails to Success

The life of a pirate isn't always awash with stolen treasures and deadly expeditions - for indentured pirate Frederic, the job is more about duty than adventure. When Frederic learns a rather unfortunate secret about his birthday, he is forced choose between a responsibility to his betrothed or to a monarchical pirate.

With well-mannered pirates, a dishonest general, and seamless harmonies, Brethren Christian's vibrant rendition of "The Pirates of Penzance," delivers a thought-provoking, yet comical, twist on what it means to be bound by duty and love.

Spencer Hill exudes youthful charm as the naive Frederic. Hill showcases his boyish smile and bright timbre in "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden?", a perfect complement to Ashley Thinnsen's soaring operatic belt.

Thinnsen, who plays Frederic's lover Mabel, coyly smiles upon her acceptance of his proposal, a direct contrast to her later performance in "Stay, Frederic, Stay," in which she holds onto his arm lovingly and implores him to remain with her.

Together, Hannah Cordy as Ruth and Joshua Gorrell as The Pirate King are a powerhouse comedic duo. In "My Eyes are Fully Open," Cordy and Gorrell make use of the high and low notes to underscore the absurdity of Frederic's inescapable contract. Beginning the scene on their knees and slowly working their way up to an energetic dance, Cordy and Gorrell demonstrate impressive comedic timing.

Dylan Brekke delivers a standout performance as Major-General Stanley. Brekke's purposeful contrast between his character's old age and his sprightly march in "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" humorously emphasizes the show's satirical commentary on social duty.

The Pirates' stomping dance steps adds hilarious irony in "With Cat-like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal," a scene in which they were supposed to be quietly sneaking around the General's castle.

Jewell Holloway as the Sergeant of Police brings an authoritative force to the show with his booming vocal tone and captivating tumbling skills. Holloway demonstrates great stamina as he spins, steps, and cartwheels across the stage.

This energetic operetta is especially brought to life by The Brethren Christian Pit Orchestra. The dramatic music accentuates the characters' over-the-top personalities. Cartoonish swords and a grandiose picture frame, designed by props master Phoebe Wicks, serve to further embellish the musical's humor.

Brethren Christian successfully navigates their way through this demanding production with a superb combination of angelic harmonies and outlandish personalities.

Allison Cruz
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Brethren Christian's 'Pirates' Sails to Success

The life of a pirate isn't always awash with stolen treasures and deadly expeditions - for indentured pirate Frederic, the job is more about duty than adventure. When Frederic learns a rather unfortunate secret about his birthday, he is forced choose between a responsibility to his betrothed or to a monarchical pirate.

With well-mannered pirates, a dishonest general, and seamless harmonies, Brethren Christian's vibrant rendition of "The Pirates of Penzance," delivers a thought-provoking, yet comical, twist on what it means to be bound by duty and love.

Spencer Hill exudes youthful charm as the naive Frederic. Hill showcases his boyish smile and bright timbre in "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden?", a perfect complement to Ashley Thinnsen's soaring operatic belt.

Thinnsen, who plays Frederic's lover Mabel, coyly smiles upon her acceptance of his proposal, a direct contrast to her later performance in "Stay, Frederic, Stay," in which she holds onto his arm lovingly and implores him to remain with her.

Together, Hannah Cordy as Ruth and Joshua Gorrell as The Pirate King are a powerhouse comedic duo. In "My Eyes are Fully Open," Cordy and Gorrell make use of the high and low notes to underscore the absurdity of Frederic's inescapable contract. Beginning the scene on their knees and slowly working their way up to an energetic dance, Cordy and Gorrell demonstrate impressive comedic timing.

Dylan Brekke delivers a standout performance as Major-General Stanley. Brekke's purposeful contrast between his character's old age and his sprightly march in "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" humorously emphasizes the show's satirical commentary on social duty.

The Pirates' stomping dance steps adds hilarious irony in "With Cat-like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal," a scene in which they were supposed to be quietly sneaking around the General's castle.

Jewell Holloway as the Sergeant of Police brings an authoritative force to the show with his booming vocal tone and captivating tumbling skills. Holloway demonstrates great stamina as he spins, steps, and cartwheels across the stage.

This energetic operetta is especially brought to life by The Brethren Christian Pit Orchestra. The dramatic music accentuates the characters' over-the-top personalities. Cartoonish swords and a grandiose picture frame, designed by props master Phoebe Wicks, serve to further embellish the musical's humor.

Brethren Christian successfully navigates their way through this demanding production with a superb combination of angelic harmonies and outlandish personalities.

Rachel Baldauf
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Brethren Christian Creates Swashbuckling Fun with "The Pirates of Penzance"

Frederic, a faithful and dutiful young man, becomes the apprentice of a rowdy band of pirates as a young boy after a comical misunderstanding. After his contract seemingly ends on his twenty first birthday, however, Frederic discovers that he was born on leap day, making him barely over the age of five, and therefore bound to his contract until the year 1940. Filled with lively musical performances and plenty of rollicking, pirate humor, Brethren Christian creates a merry musical celebration with "The Pirates of Penzance".

Spencer Hill stars as the honorable and dutiful Frederic. Whether sharply belting in "Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me" or tenderly pleading for love in "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden?", Hill demonstrates his impressive vocal and acting range.

Alongside him shines Ashley Thinnsen as Frederic's beloved, Mabel. Thinnsen leaves audiences speechless with her stunning classical voice, soaring to incredibly high notes in songs such as "Poor Wandering One" and "Stay, Frederic, Stay".

Filling the stage with pirateering bravado is Joshua Gorrell as the swaggering Pirate King. Whether spontaneously jumping into Russian dance or emphatically fencing with the conductor of the orchestra, Gorrell adds a true swashbuckling spirit to the show.

Dylan Brekke ignites the production with inexhaustible energy as Major-General Stanley. Throughout the show, he never misses a beat, from rapidly proclaiming his position in "I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General" to comically drifting asleep during "Sighing Softly to the River".

Leading the comical police ensemble is Jewell Holloway as the vigorous, acrobatic Sergeant of Police. Cartwheeling, tap-dancing, and flipping his way across the stage, Holloway both entertains and astonishes, demonstrating both his comedic and acrobatic abilities.

The entire production lies on the solid foundation of the entire cast's incredible vocal abilities. Despite the rigorous demands of the show, each and every performer remained perfectly on key, perfecting harmonies and lending the show a true professional quality. From the beautiful classical trills of the daughters to the booming voices of the pirates, the music, in a word, was impeccable.

Perfectly mirroring the slightly ridiculous, cartoonish humor of the show, the sets by Hali Simcoe served as the perfect backdrop for the rollicking humor onstage.

Combining flawless musical elements with whimsical humor, Brethren Christian produces an evening filled with swashbuckling fun with their production of "The Pirates of Penzance".

Rachel Baldauf
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Brethren Christian Creates Swashbuckling Fun with "The Pirates of Penzance"

Frederic, a faithful and dutiful young man, becomes the apprentice of a rowdy band of pirates as a young boy after a comical misunderstanding. After his contract seemingly ends on his twenty first birthday, however, Frederic discovers that he was born on leap day, making him barely over the age of five, and therefore bound to his contract until the year 1940. Filled with lively musical performances and plenty of rollicking, pirate humor, Brethren Christian creates a merry musical celebration with "The Pirates of Penzance".

Spencer Hill stars as the honorable and dutiful Frederic. Whether sharply belting in "Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me" or tenderly pleading for love in "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden?", Hill demonstrates his impressive vocal and acting range.

Alongside him shines Ashley Thinnsen as Frederic's beloved, Mabel. Thinnsen leaves audiences speechless with her stunning classical voice, soaring to incredibly high notes in songs such as "Poor Wandering One" and "Stay, Frederic, Stay".

Filling the stage with pirateering bravado is Joshua Gorrell as the swaggering Pirate King. Whether spontaneously jumping into Russian dance or emphatically fencing with the conductor of the orchestra, Gorrell adds a true swashbuckling spirit to the show.

Dylan Brekke ignites the production with inexhaustible energy as Major-General Stanley. Throughout the show, he never misses a beat, from rapidly proclaiming his position in "I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General" to comically drifting asleep during "Sighing Softly to the River".

Leading the comical police ensemble is Jewell Holloway as the vigorous, acrobatic Sergeant of Police. Cartwheeling, tap-dancing, and flipping his way across the stage, Holloway both entertains and astonishes, demonstrating both his comedic and acrobatic abilities.

The entire production lies on the solid foundation of the entire cast's incredible vocal abilities. Despite the rigorous demands of the show, each and every performer remained perfectly on key, perfecting harmonies and lending the show a true professional quality. From the beautiful classical trills of the daughters to the booming voices of the pirates, the music, in a word, was impeccable.

Perfectly mirroring the slightly ridiculous, cartoonish humor of the show, the sets by Hali Simcoe served as the perfect backdrop for the rollicking humor onstage.

Combining flawless musical elements with whimsical humor, Brethren Christian produces an evening filled with swashbuckling fun with their production of "The Pirates of Penzance".