Evans Children's Academy-Presents

Open Audition Notice 

“The Pirates of Penzance”
by WS Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan
 adapted by the Cimarron Opera Company

Performance Dates June 28, 29, 30, 2013

 

“For I am a Pirate King! And it is, it is a glorious thing to be a Pirate King!” If you have ever wanted to indulge in your inner Pirate King, then the Evans Children’s Academy of the Performing Arts has the perfect event to do so! Over 30 local children are performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comic tale of adventure on the high seas with some English bobbies and lovely damsels thrown in: The Pirates of Penzance! Performances are June 28 and 29 at 7:30pm with a 2:00pm matinee on June 30 at the Poncan, 104 E. Grand Ave.

Director Edward Dixon has taken an adaptation provided by the Cimarron Opera Company of Norman, OK and transformed local children into the reprobate pirates, delicate damsels, and bumbling Bobbies. “The kids have been rehearsing hard since the middle of May, and are so excited to do this production,” said Dixon. “It’s just plain fun.”

“The Pirates of Penzance or The Slave of Duty” premiered at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City on Dec. 31,1879. It concerns Frederic, who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates. His governess Ruth is hard of hearing and should have apprenticed him to a pilot. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born on 29 February, and so, technically, he only has a birthday each leap year. His apprenticeship indentures state that he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday, and so 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 faithfully. “Of course, this is a musical comedy, so everything turns out fine in the end,” said Dixon.

“We are so very grateful to our principal benefactor, Pat Evans, for the ability to help educate local children in the performing arts,” said Christina Rich-Splawn, executive director of the Poncan. “Her dedication to the arts and children is a gift to the entire area. We would also like to thank Grace Episcopal for allowing the cast to rehearse there on those evenings when the Poncan was not available.” The performance is also funded in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment of the Arts and the patrons of the Poncan.

Tickets are $10 for adult and $5 for ages 12 and under, and are on sale now. They are available online or by calling The Poncan Theatre box office at 580-765-0943, Mon. to Fri. from 1 until 5.

Principle Evans Children’s Academy Sponsor: Pat Evens

With additional funding by :

Ponca City is fortunate to have the support of Pat Evans to give the area children an opportunity to explore their musical and acting talents. The community has been blessed with an incredible pool of talent and it is gratifying to see these kids improve show after show, season after season. Again, this has all been possible because of the generosity of Pat Evans. When you see Pat be sure and thank her for her support.

For more information call the Poncan Theatre at 765-0943 during regular business hours 1 to 5 Monday through Friday.