Members of the USS Loma Prieta beamed down to Palo Alto on Saturday, February 2nd to see the Stanford Savoyards performance of H.M.S. Pinafore: The Next Generation. H.M.S. Pinafore is a classic Gilbert & Sullivan comedic opera, but the Savoyards turned an old production into something a little new and different by changing the setting from an 1800’s sailing vessel to a 2300’s starship. This was a remarkably easy transition due to the similarities of the settings and there was no problem with suspension of disbelief.
There are no scene changes and so the entire show is set on the bridge of the USS Enterprise. The songs and story itself were true to Gilbert & Sullivan’s piece, with only a few word changes here and there. The show opened with many actors already out on stage laying flat on the floor, waking up disoriented as the lights came up. From there it was quite the delightful romp sitting there wondering who might walk out on stage next from the Star Trek universe. Most of the choices for who the Gilbert & Sullivan characters would mirror in the Trek universe were quite logical, and the acting was great from all the leads. In addition to the main characters you would expect from The Next Generation, featured characters were: Lwaxana Troi, Admiral James T. Kirk, and a contingent of Original Series alien ladies headed up by an Orion Slave Girl. There was even a very fun cameo made by a multitude of tribbles.
The venue was large enough to warrant having at least hanging mics, let alone having the leads individually wearing mics, but unfortunately neither was to be found. Our group was sitting about 5 rows back and we had trouble hearing the actors half the time. I can’t imagine that the people who were in the very back were able to hear much at all. When we could hear, however, it was almost always pleasant. Most of the leads were quite accomplished vocally, with one or two outshining the others, but the chorus as a whole left something to be desired. I realize that this was not a professional performance and the singing shouldn’t be judged as such, but I was nonetheless underwhelmed by their chorus.
The set itself was simply magnificent. A lot of work and attention to detail went into recreating the bridge. The helm stations swung out, and the doors leading onto the bridge opened just the way they do in the television show. They even had a view screen projected onto the wall, which was effective and well-done. We had the opportunity to go on stage afterwards and the set looked just as great close-up. Their costumer made all the costumes the actors wore; nothing was bought pre-packaged, and they all looked great. It was easy to recognize who all the characters were supposed to be, and on that note the makeup was also well done. The production staff as a whole was really what made this show extraordinary and worth seeing.
If you’re interested in learning more about their recreation of the USS Enterprise bridge, or their show in general, you can view their tumblr here: http://starshippinafore.tumblr.com.
Lt. Amy Sloan
Cybernetics Officer
USS Loma Prieta
Starfleet, Region 4