The J.J. Pearce Acappella Choir takes the helm on December 17 and 18 when they present the comedic operetta, “The Pirates of Penzance”.  This is the first time an entire Pearce choir has performed an operetta. “This is a big, but very exciting project,” commented Michael Lysinger, director of the Pearce Acappella Choir.  “It is one the kids won’t forget in the coming years.”

By definition, acappella means without instrumentation, however, the 88 choir members will be accompanied by one or two pianos.  Pearce High School theatre director, Heather Biddle, will be providing the choreography and costuming.

The Gilbert and Sullivan operetta will be performed with a modern twist promises Lysinger.  The story revolves around Frederic whose nursemaid Ruth, played by Chandler, mistakenly signed him up for an apprenticeship as a pirate rather than a ship's pilot.  But Frederic has another dilemma; Ruth has fallen in love with him and wants to become his wife.  Just as Frederic is about to consent, a group of girls who are the daughters of Major General Stanley, played by Matthew, arrive on the scene.  Frederic falls for Mabel, played by Shelby, and she falls for him. Mabel’s sisters are seized by the pirates and threatened with marrying them. 

When Frederic, played by Matan, turns 21 his internship ends and he urges the pirates to pursue a more lawful life. But the Pirate King, played by Jonathan, enforces a glitch regarding Frederic’s age.    Frederic is technically only 5 years old due to his birthday falling on February 29 and he dutifully rejoins the pirates.

Will Frederic be forced into a pirates’ life forever?  And will Mabel’s sisters’ be forced into marrying the rogues?  Come join the fun December 17 and 18 in the J.J. Pearce High School Auditorium at 7:30 pm.  Admission is $5 at the door.