Treasure Chest

By T.E. Kalem

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Book by W.S. Gilbert Music by Arthur Sullivan

Seadogs have invaded Central Park this summer, but have no fear. These are not predatory muggers, these swashbucklers who have stormed the stage of the New York Shakespeare Festival's Delacorte Theater, but gentlemen of merit, mirth and melody.

Sullivan's music is unshakable, and Gilbert's witty, alliterative lyrics may have inspired the young Noel Coward. The mood of the evening is lighthearted, impish and spoofy. The pirate ship is out of a child's storybook dream, and so are the characters who people the stage.

As the "very model of a modern major general," George Rose is a Blimp without a bowler. And "in matters vegetable, animal and mineral," the polysyllables hop off his tongue Like trained fleas. Kevin Kline's Pirate King is wondrously agile and regally ironic. He is a combustible actor who fires up a stage.

A minor to-do attended the announcement that Pop Goddess Linda Ronstadt would make her theatrical debut in Penzance. Ronstadt and Rock Singer Rex Smith play the young lovers. Neither needs to walk the plank, though each has a foot on it. As an actress, Ronstadt is high-school-class-play caliber, but she has a radiant, mesmerizing presence. The shimmering lyricism of her voice confers a haunting beauty on the songs, particularly Poor Wand 'ring One. Smith has a narrow range, but his ardent though awkward bearing makes his love seem real.

Skillfully orchestrated choreography by Graciela Daniele turns London bobbies into Keystone Kops. Patricia McGourty adds festive costumes, and Director Wilford Leach a snappy tempo. Thank Producer Joseph Papp for another good reason to love New York.

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