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South Jordan Journal

Bingham High students to perform “Pirates of Penzance” on high seas

Oct 01, 2022 08:27PM ● By Julie Slama

By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Bingham High thespians will present the British-American romantic musical comedy, “Pirates of Penzance,” as its fall show.

The musical will be performed at 7 p.m., Nov. 17-19 and again Nov. 21 in the school’s auditorium, 2160 S. Jordan Parkway. A 2 p.m. matinee is planned for Saturday. Tickets are available through the school’s website: www.binghamminers.org.

“Pirates of Penzance” is a farcical tale, following the story of 21-year-old Frederic who is released from his apprenticeship with sentimental pirates to pursue the love of Mabel, Major General Stanley’s daughter. However, when a lie is discovered, the budding romance of the young couple may be derailed.

The show is being directed by Dave Martin, who is a new musical theatre teacher at the high school.

“We just both love that show,” said theatre teacher Jason Purdie about the decision to perform the Gilbert and Sullivan musical.

Purdie plans to direct William Shakespeare’s “Henry V” with performances at 7 p.m., Feb. 24-25 and again on Feb. 27 in the Copper Pit. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.

“I just love Shakespeare, and I wanted to do a history where the main guy is the good guy. I love the character of Henry and other people that surround him and honestly, that was next on my bucket list of Shakespeare shows to direct. I knew this was a good fit for the students, even though it's going to be challenging,” he said.

Purdie plans to set the story in the Old West.

“I want to have it be set as a classic, with a saloon and different buildings that you would expect in the Old West. I’m going to have to borrow some stuff as far as props and costumes, but we’re definitely going to be minimalist where we just kind of have things that represent a doorway or chairs which can easily be brought on and off stage,” he said.

The next production the student actors plan to perform will be an original one-act play by local playwright Maureen J. Olson about the Holocaust. It’s entitled “Puppilien,” the Dutch word for students.

“I read it a year ago and it’s a World War II family saga, inspired by a true story,” Purdie said.

The piece will be the students’ one-act competition piece for region in March. State competition is in April.

The Miners will finish the year with the musical theatre production at 7 p.m., May 3-5, in the Copper Pit and Theatre IV’s spring showcase, which will highlight student-directed short plays at 7 p.m., May 11-12 also in the Copper Pit.

In addition, Bingham’s 20-member improv team will also perform during the school year in the Copper Pit. This season’s show dates will be posted on the school website, Purdie said.

About 60 students also participate in drama club, overseen by a theatre council, who plan monthly activities, service projects and seeing other theater shows.

“It’s a way to get more people involved in theater and an opportunity for them to get to know each other and grow closer,” Purdie said. “They always have a lot of fun.”