SAU Theatre’s Swashbuckling Showcase
It has been a busy spring for the SAU Theatre Department as they prepare for a one-of-kind performance of “Pirates of Penzance.”
Dan Hale, the department’s chair-person, is the show director but is “wearing many hats for this production.” He is excited to showcase this performance for the local and SAU community. Dan told us, “We haven’t done anything in the rounds down here truly.” This performance is taking place in the U-Stage, which gives them the opportunity to interact with the audience in a way that has never been done before.
The actors plan to be interactive with the audience throughout the performance. “We may invite you up to cheer with the pirates during the opening act.” The audience can expect to be sung directly to, be given a part of a costume, and even take a seat on stage during the performance.
Aaron Hook is an SAU instructor, but this spring he took on the role of costume designer along with being a pirate on board. Aaron says, “We wanted the audience to not have that separation and really bring them in and let them experience some of the fun we are having producing it.”
It’s a full-circle moment for SAU Theatre, as students, faculty, and alumni take the stage… that’s also a circle. They have put chairs around the room in order to have the stage be right in the middle of the action. This is the biggest show yet on their U-stage.
After months of preparation, this swashbuckling showcase is sure to keep audiences entertained. Showings of “Pirates of Penzance” will begin on the last weekend of April, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm. It will also be running the following weekend on May second, third, and fourth.
