Michigan Public Radio Take On "Pirates"

[erik]

Interlochen (Michigan) Public Radio's take on Linda's role as Mabel in The Pirates Of Penzance:

www.interlochenpublicradio.org/podcast/classical-sprouts/2023-09-04/classical-sprouts-linda-ronstadt-and-the-anatomy-of-a-musical-joke

[eddiejinnj]

I perused article and listened to vid but where do they mention the "anatomy of a joke"? Seems degrading to me. No? I will listen to podcast audio towards top of page. Happy Labor Day, all!!!! eddiejinnj

[RobGNYC]

No, not degrading. The "joke" is what Gilbert & Sullivan wrote--characters with high operetta voices who have only a romance-novel concept of war cheering on the soldiers to "go and die." Her point about Linda's interpretation is that Linda here made Mabel more bloodthirsty and aggressive (for example her growl on "slaughter"). The "joke" is still there but Linda made it her own and, I think, better and even more incongruous.

[eddiejinnj]

Good analysis, Rob. Thanks!!!! "Rock and Roll Gilbert & Sullivan" lol eddiejinnj

[PoP80]

Linda's feisty interpretation of "Go Ye Heroes" was one of the high points of the show. Her characterization of Mabel was also amusing, as she added the "oomph" to the sweetness and innocence. Since Linda based much of her character on Snow White, the cartoonish aspects worked well in this modern production.