Trinity Dance Program Boys in Groove (BIG) and Guys in Groove (GIG

from Annual: Trinity 2018

Swimming

COLLEGE MUSICAL: PIRATES OF PENZANCE

The last musical the College produced was Grease in 1995 – 23 years later, here we are! Trinity College was very proud to present The Pirates of Penzance in Gibney Hall on 10, 11 and 12 May.

The Pirates of Penzance was originally an operetta, written by Gilbert and Sullivan. While several outstanding productions have been written by Gilbert and Sullivan, we could not look past Pirates for our show. The story follows a young man, Frederic who leaves his band of pirates to seek a different life. Upon his journey, hilarity, impossible situations, fascinating characters and well-known melodies ensue.

The show was inspired by the Essgee Entertainment’s 1994 version of The Pirates of Penzance starring Jon English and remained true to the well-known style of Gilbert and Sullivan. This production was a perfect fit for the dynamic, creative cast and allowed us to include

Ms Lisa Laurino

topical humour and dialogue that suited the Trinity community and wider public audiences. The production is evidence of Trinity’s burgeoning Performing Arts Department and allowed our students to extend themselves in Music, Dance and Drama. We were also honoured to be awarded a joint shield with Mercedes College for their production of The Addams Family in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The shield received was the Dominican Sisters Award – Secondary Musical Production and was certainly a bonus at the conclusion of our season.

Our production had highly energetic and large choruses consisting of pirates, cabin boys, police and daughters. Our female performers were from Mercedes College and Iona Presentation College. These young ladies did an outstanding job and very quickly became part of our community. There were also seven lead characters in the production and it was a privilege to work with such dedicated and talented performers. Declan Allen (11.6) played the role of the ever so charming yet charismatic Frederic whose singing and incredible dancing impressed his love interest Mabel, played by Sophie Hamer; Sophie’s superb voice stunned audiences. Jeremy Hansen (12.4) was our extremely fast-paced Modern Major General and left audience members breathless. Jayda D’Agostino’s energy, enthusiasm and talent, treated audiences to a first-class performance of Ruth. The lanky, Mr Bean-like, baritone Sergeant, whose grand entrance was on a zip line was

played by Patrick O’Donoghue (12.6). Our larger than life, witty and purple panted Pirate King, played by Kosta Paraskov (12.1) had audiences in hysterics. The Pirate King’s lieutenant and strong voiced Samuel was played by Roberto Iazzi (12.8).

Everyone had a lot of fun in this musical, but it would not have been possible without the hard work, time and support of our creative team, design assistants and orchestra. Particular acknowledgement goes to our Musical Director Dr Robert Braham, Choreographer Mrs Paula Nicoletto, Stage Manager and Set Designer Mr Ben Mitchell and our Repetiteur’s Mrs Ann Clarke and Ms Kimberley Lloyd. The success of our musical is testament to the skill, talent and dedication of this outstanding team. While there are so many members of the College community who contributed to our production, a special mention also goes to the parents and guardians of our cast, for the many various tasks undertaken in supporting the show.

With its colourful costumes, a vibrant set, swinging ropes, a giant treasure chest, trampolines, a zip line and pirate ship in conjunction with a committed creative team and energetic cast, Trinity College’s production of The Pirates of Penzance is one that will stay with us forever.