If you go
› What: “The Pirates of Penzance”› Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road› When: 7:30 p.m. July 11-3, 2:30 p.m. July 14› Admission: $15› For more information: www.ebctchatt.com
Who doesn't love singing, dancing, swashbuckling pirates?
You'll find a whole crew of them when East Brainerd Community Theater opens "The Pirates of Penzance" Thursday, July 11, for daily performances through Sunday, July 14.
A cast of 27 actors is presenting Gilbert and Sullivan's classic two-act opera in Christ United Methodist Church, which is located at the intersection of Morris Hill and East Brainerd roads.
The show is a romantic musical comedy about sentimental pirates, fair maidens, blundering policemen and absurd adventures. Its score is best-known for the tongue-twisting number "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General."
The plot revolves around Frederic, who is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates after reaching his 21st birthday. He meets Mabel, one of four daughters of Major-General Stanley, and the two fall instantly in love.
Frederic soon learns, however, that he was born on Feb. 29, so technically, he has a birthday only on leap years. His indenture specifies that he remain apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday, which could be interpreted that he must serve for another 63 years. Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic's only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him.
Katie Olsen is directing "The Pirates of Penzance." Musical direction is by Andrew Chauncey, choreography by Rebecca Benedict.
Playing principal roles are Christian Smith as Frederic, Rachel Truex as Mabel, Scott McPherson as the Pirate King and Greg Rambin Sr. as Major-General Stanley.
East Brainerd Community Theater is a community outreach of Christ United Methodist Church. With each of its performances, EBCT traditionally collects donations to benefit a local nonprofit. All 2019 productions are benefiting the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Patrons who bring a canned food item to donate will receive a free small popcorn or beverage. Cash donations will also be accepted in the lobby before the show and at intermission.
Tickets are $15.
For more information: www.ebctchatt.com or check the Facebook page.