‘Pirates’ Set Sail For Spokane After Dazzling Sandpoint

The “Pirates” are invading The Met.

The Sandpoint production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta “The Pirates of Penzance” plays the Spokane stage for two performances Friday and Saturday after playing to sold-out houses in Sandpoint in late May and early June. It is staged by the Performing Arts and Humanities of Sandpoint.

In fact, demand was so strong in Sandpoint that two extra performances had to be added, bringing the total there to eight.

According to director Su Coffey-Berg, this production’s popularity has been a credit to the talent, almost all of it from North Idaho.

The role of Frederick is sung by James Hurst, a ‘94 Bonners Ferry High School graduate who is now on a vocal scholarship at Stephen F. Austin University in Texas.

The Pirate King will be sung by Tom Fuhriman, a Sandpoint singer who has appeared in many musicals.

The role of Mabel is sung by Cassandra K. Nelson, a Sandpoint High School graduate this year who has won numerous awards for singing.

One unusual thing about this production: All of the policemen will be played by women.

“The Pirates of Penzance,” written in 1879, remains one of the most popular of all Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas.

It’s about a group of less-than-fearsome pirates who land on the coast of Cornwall. Chaos and romance ensue.

The shows at The Met are on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $12, $5 for students and seniors, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, or call 325-SEAT or (800) 325-SEAT.

The Met performances are benefits for Habitat for Humanity in Spokane.

, DataTimes