Story 5.

   October 25, 2010

Megan Norenberg

H.M.S Pinafore Pitch

   With an exaggerated Captain, a daringly handsome sailor, and a “little” woman with a secret, The H.M.S. Pinafore is “exciting for everyone”, says the musical’s Style and Theme Director Blayne Lemke.

   On Monday Oct. 25, the Coon Rapids Campus held host to the preview pitch to this year’s musical, The H.M.S. Pinafore. The preview pitch incorporated thoughts on music, dance, costumes, set, and style. Each director expressed their hopes and dreams to the room filled with aspiring actors, dancers, and singers.

   The one thing that every director had in common was knowing the history behind the musical. The H.M.S. Pinafore takes place in Victorian era England where social class is a determining factor in everyday life. In the musical we find an audacious sailor who declares his love for the Captains daughter; a woman who is not in his social class. Despite their differences, the two plot to elope. When the not so “little” Buttercup reveals a life changing secret, their world is turned upside down. The once sailor is now a Captain and the Captain is now a sailor. “Buttercup is key to everything”, Lemke states.

   Along with knowing the style, Lemke says students should also pick up a copy of the book of Elocutions. This book is a guide to body language and correct enunciation. Lemke shares that, “this [book of elocutions] is a tool to specify physical action. It is education in learning historical acting styles as well as using what they have already learned.”

   This fast-paced show is not without its challenges though. The music book for the show is an inch and a half thick and must be memorized. There are also numerous dances that must be learned precisely. Choreographer Heidi Spesard-Noble noted that, “students should be in this whole –heartedly.”

   With Anoka-Ramsey putting more than $20,000 into the show, it is going to be “massive”, as Lemke says. Set designer Peter Lerhol has a vision that will be of mass proportions. He talked of countless boats and his view on the Pinafore its self was extraordinary. Also the costume department will be making their own military inspired costumes as well as renting. Both costume and set design departments are encouraging students to come in and lend a hand with production.

   If you are interested in auditioning for the H.M.S Pinafore, Auditions will be held November 15- 19 between 2 and 5 p.m. Directors are looking for students who can: memorize, speak clearly, prepare a musical selection, and have stage presence. As well as musical auditioning, there will be a dance audition as well. The cast will be posted on November 19. If you are a musician who would like to play in the pit orchestra, contact Musical Director Melissa Bergstrom. She is looking for a full symphony.

   Rehearsals for the cast will begin on November 22 generally between 2 and 5 p.m. starting January 31 however, rehearsals will be run in the evening between 6 and 9 p.m. “Do not miss a rehearsal. It will be very hard to catch up”, Spesard-Noble stressed.

   The H.M.S Pinafore will open on February 4, 2011 and will run through the 13 of February. “There are a lot of twists and turns”, Lemke tells, “it is something you don’t want to miss.”