In The Pirates of Penzance, poor Frederic just can't catch a break.  First, his nursemaid mixes up his father's instructions to apprentice him to a ship's pilot and sends him off to a pirate ship instead.  Then, after meeting the woman of his dreams (Mabel), he's told by the Pirate King that his apprenticeship with the pirates doesn't contractually end until his twenty-first birthday - and Frederic's birthday happens to be February 29th.  Having a birthday only every fourth year means that Frederic would be bound to the pirates for decades!  

At least Mabel has declared that to wait for him until he's 80 years old and no longer a pirate.  So he has that going for him, at least.

Or does he?

In the real world, the role of Mabel is played by Courtney Kalbacker, and the Pirate King is sung by Jeffrey Grayson Gates.  Courtney and Jeffrey just happen to be husband and wife.  Frederic is in love with a woman that is married to his greatest enemy! Poor Frederic just can't catch a break, can he?

Will Frederic's luck ever turn around?  Come see VLOC's production of Pirates in June to find out.

In the meantime, for more information on this "scandalous" couple, please visit here and here.

Rehearsals for The Pirates of Penzance are now in full swing!  Today, we introduce you to another cast member who is busy learning music, lines, and choreography: Wendy Stengel.  

What's your role in the show?
Ruth

Is this your first time in Pirates? If no, how many Pirates productions have you been in?
This is my second Pirates -- I was in GG&SS's (Georgetown Gilbert & Sullivan Society) Pirates in 2008.

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
I first found out about VLOC when I was in GG&SS's Ruddigore. It was only a matter of time before I was lured into a production. In my first VLOC show--Our Boys (2013)--I played not one but two maids, so it's familiar territory being a maid-of-all-work in this show.

What's your favorite part about being in a show (this particular one, or any show)?
The people -- always the people. My best friends are those I've met through shows. You develop life-long bonds in just a few short weeks. There's nothing like being in a show.

What's your least favorite or the hardest part of the rehearsal process for you?
The logistics of getting to rehearsal! It's easier now as I telework, so I don't have to dash from Rockville to DC (there's a dog that needs walking) and back to Rockville, but still. Walk, bus, Metro, bus, walk...it's a haul for a city dweller.

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I'm an information architect and user experience consultant--if you can find what you need on a website in 3 clicks instead of 20, someone like me did the work to make it so. I'm also finishing my Master of Science in information design and communication, AND teaching a user experience class for an MFA program in San Francisco. I lead a youth group at St. Alban's in DC, which I find very fulfilling. In my free moments, you'll find me crocheting, playing quirky instruments, or developing statistical coding schema for gendered social interaction in science fiction and fantasy television shows. No, really.

What's your Gilbert & Sullivan show and why? (If you don't have one, pick a favorite musical or opera)
I think everyone always goes for her first, no? For me, that's Patience. I played Lady Jane and had a wonderful time. I remember talking with one of the ladies of the chorus about how devastatingly sad the end of Act 1 was; she looked at me strangely and said "but it's so BOUNCY!" So many of the act changes aren't happy for the matronly altos.

Wendy, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Pirates, your love of the theater, and a little bit about your life off stage.  Stay tuned for more inside information on the production, including... a VLOC Pirates scandal!  

The upcoming performance run of The Pirates of Penzance will feature one of the largest casts that VLOC has ever had!  Today, we feature cast member Maria Wilson, who plays a governess trainee in the production.  Maria is originally from South Korea, she but made her way to the United States and to the Victorian Lyric Opera Company, where she has been a member since 2011. Let's get to know Maria a little better:

Is this your first time in Pirates?
Yes!  This is my first time in Pirates.

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
One summer day in 2011, I was watching an opera and pretending that I was one of the singers. My husband smiled at me and suggested I join a music group. That gave me the idea to turn a dream into an actual hobby. I visited Craigslist online and found VLOC, and they were holding auditions. I did not have any audition experience, but I tried out anyway. During my audition, I was so nervous and shaky. Wheeeew!!! But I made it!

What's your favorite part about being in a show (this particular one, or any show)?
Every VLOC show is very unique, funny, pretty, and colorful. I enjoy every part and moment. The costumes are always colorful and pretty with lots of brilliant designs. Wearing the costumes makes me feel special and fancy. Also, singing and dancing on stage with makeup and the costumes make me smile ear to ear. And if the audience is enthusiastic, then I am really on Cloud Nine!

What's your least favorite or the hardest part of the rehearsal process for you?
It is challenge for me to sing very fast with clear pronunciation. But I enjoy the challenge.

What's your Gilbert & Sullivan show and why? (If you don't have one, pick a favorite musical or opera)
The Pirates of Penzance is my 5th G&S show after Trial By Jury, The Sorcerer, Iolanthe, Utopia, and Yeomen of the Guard. I like them all. 

Anything else you want to share?
I feel very privileged to work with cast and staff members who are very talented, intelligent, and have wonderful personalities. I enjoy every precious moment on and off stage and try to record my memories by taking pictures to share with everyone. Special thanks to the production staff. Your hard work gives me confidence to sing and dance on the stage.

What is your Pirate name?
Heather

Thanks, Maria, for sharing your experiences as a member of VLOC and a cast member of Pirates! Stay tuned for more interviews with our fabulous cast members and production staff.