Pirates invade Nantyr Shores

Photo by Chris Simon Nantyr Shores Secondary School students will be performing Pirates of Penzance in the school's cafeteria Thursday through Saturday. Show times are 7 p.m., with a 1 p.m. matinee Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased by calling the school at 431-5950, ext 417. Hailey Hunter is only in Grade 9, but she's already been transformed into a pirate.

The Nantyr Shores Secondary School student earned one of the lead roles in the upcoming production of Pirates of Penzance, which will run from today through Saturday in the school's cafeteria.

Hunter says her performance of Ruth is just plain fun.

"I love theatre, and have been in many plays before," she said. "It all just flowed together ... I'm excited."

The Gilbert and Sullivan production is set in the mid to late 1800s. The play centres around a 21-year-old named Frederic, who finds out about his true pirate origins. At the start of the play, he is unaware of his roots, and eventually decides to marry a woman named Mabel. After planning to attack the pirates, he learns of his fate, and after a fight between the pirates and police, a fairy tale ending ensues, said teacher Tarra Scott.

"Our musical director has done (the play) six or seven times. Two years ago, through Kempenfelt Community Players, I played the role of Mabel. I was really excited to bring that to the kids," she said. "It's a great show to put on. We've got so many talented kids and it just fit."

Students have been rehearsing hard, and learn a variety of techniques and skills that can be used outside of the school environment. The students learn dance moves, are responsible for learning lines, and must work co-operatively with their peers, said Scott.

"It's teaching self-confidence, co-operation, teamwork, and dedication," she said.

"They're learning music, dance and choreography steps. It also brings the arts to a lot of kids who wouldn't normally get to go to an artistic show. It'll bring in other audiences, who wouldn't normally go to a musical."

Others hope to use the production as a launching pad to further achievements. Nantyr student and Pirate King Cory DeAdder plans to attend Ryerson University in the fall, and hopes for a career in acting.

"I've always been involved in theatre," he said. "It's just my life. You let all of your problems out, and leave them at the door. When you're acting, you're a whole different person and you get to show your emotions through your character."

And the audience should enjoy the production, said Scott.

"The community has really gotten behind us," she said.

"The talent that these kids have demonstrated, and the amount of hours they've put into it; it's got something for everyone. It's a funny play, it's got some really saucy characters, great costumes and a 12-piece school band as our orchestra."

Public shows run Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. A matinee will also take place Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, and can be purchased by calling the school at 431- 5950, ext 417.