Search - Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English, Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler, Craig Schaffer on DVD


Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English, Simon Gallaher, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler, Craig Schaffer
Gilbert Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Jon English Simon Gallaher Helen Donaldson Toni Lamond Derek Metzger Tim Tyler Craig Schaffer
Actors: Jon English, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler
Directors: Craig Schaefer, Peter Butler
Genres: Comedy, Musicals & Performing Arts
NR     2006     1hr 55min

Gilbert and Sullivan?s hilarious comic operetta tells the story of the orphan Frederic. The son of a wealthy 19th century man, Frederic?s fate takes a sudden twist when, after his father?s death, his hard-of-hearing nursem...  more »

     
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Movie Details

Actors: Jon English, Helen Donaldson, Toni Lamond, Derek Metzger, Tim Tyler
Directors: Craig Schaefer, Peter Butler
Creators: Simon Gallaher, Melvyn Morrow, William S. Gilbert
Genres: Comedy, Musicals & Performing Arts
Sub-Genres: Comedy, Musicals
Studio: Kultur Video
Format: DVD - Color
DVD Release Date: 07/25/2006
Release Year: 2006
Run Time: 1hr 55min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 5
Edition: Classical
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English

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Movie Reviews

Straight G&S - Not; A delight - Yes
Richard | Minneapolis, Mongolia | 08/12/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)

"You can tell from the overture that this will not be Pirates as written. Yes, most of the material is there, but it is re-orchestrated for synthesizer etc. And the cast appears to be VIPs from Austrailia's theater world rather than G&S singers. Rather like the Ronstat Kline US production. Most are amplified and that is at times distracting. Now if you can accept this you are in for a genuine delight. These folks are wonderful entertainers and the schticks flow fast and free. Not that the original is slighted. Look at it as a way to bring G&S up to date. Accept Australia's premise and prepare to be swept up in inspired lunacy."
A must see dvd
tabitha | new zealand | 08/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"this rendition of the Pirates of Penzance is an excellant watch and has brought enjoyment and laughter to our entire family for a long time .We all have fond memories of watching it again and again and this from young ones you would never get to the opera let alone reportory. The tongue in cheek banter and the interaction with the conductor of the orchestra are hysterical so advice all to settle in for a good laugh and much mirth."
Delightfully fun
Rinne | Sydney, AUSTRALIA | 03/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"While this production may not quite stick to the 'spirit' that G&S intended, it is possibly one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Pirates is meant to be a comedy, and this makes it more so. It may possibly be that some of the humour will not translate to an international market (it's an Australian production), but a lot of it will.

All the singers are fantastic, possibly the weakest singer is Jon English (the Pirate King) but he makes up for any small inadequacies in his voice with the absolutely amazing energy of his performance. Ruth is played by a veteran of Australian stage, Toni Lamond.

The two best singers are Mabel and Frederick, as they should be.

If you want to watch a fun production, this is what you should watch."
Best Frederick; the rest: We-ll..........
K. Mardis | Lilburn, Georgia United States | 09/21/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)

"This version of "Pirates" is worth the viewing if only to hear the tenor; fantastic control and amazing voice.

Most of the play is tossed away carelessly as the principles (Pirate King and & the Major General) never take what they are doing seriously and we are constantly aware that they are aware they are doing a play and are trying ever-so-hard to be funny.

The 3 Singlets, cast as the ("8, or 9, or 10 in all") General's daughters are talented singers, but their singing doesn't make up for the fact that they look more as if they should have been cast as Ruth(s) AND they chew (read devour) the scenery whenever they're on stage. Oh. Did I mention that for some inexplicable reason they found it necessary to add a rock n' roll beat to many of the songs?

Imagine "Pirates of Penzance" done almost completely for Burlesque and you get the overall impression. If one principle character was overplayed, it might have been cute - this many hammy over-the-top actors and it's just too much. The Pirate King is especially appealing and would have added a certain cache if some of the others had been restrained; notably the Major General who let no sight gag or mugging opportunity slip past him - even those that destroyed character, pace, and plot.

The less said about Ruth, the better. I suspect she is an Australian celebrity; I can't think she was chosen for her acting or singing. The Police Sergeant is a skilled contortionist.

HOWEVER - the saving grace of the piece are Frederick and Mabel. They are just too darn good to miss.

The scenes where the Singlets are restrained, where the Major General is GONE, or the Pirates are on alone work well.

If you are prepared for a bit of a roller-coaster ride, this show is worth watching. Just be prepared with the 'mute' or 'fast forward'."