‘Pirates’ sail into MSU

“(They) need to understand theconventions of 19th-century opera and a good deal of Victorianhistory,” said Helton, an associate professor of voice in the Collegeof Music. “Then, they need to exaggerate just enough to make ithysterically funny.”

“Pirates” tells the story of Frederic, apirate apprentice who falls in love with Mabel, the sheltered daughterof a major-general, who despises swashbucklers. Frederic is tornbetween pursuing his sweetheart or staying with his comrades. Thevenerable musical was performed on Broadway in the early 1980s by KevinKline, Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith, and features such familiar tunesas “Poor Wand’ring One” and “I Am the Very Model of a ModernMajor-General.”

‘The Pirates of Penzance’

Michigan State Opera

8 p.m. Friday, Nov 18, and  Saturday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 20

Fairchild Theatre, MSU A preview lecture will be held 45 minutes before each performance.

$20 adults; $18 fseniors; $10 for students and minors

(800) WHARTON