The cleverness of the lyrics keeps one’s attention since the show is probably 90 percent singing, so to understand the story, one has to listen carefully. The ensemble did an excellent job with enunciating the words, which was no easy task at times considering the rapidity of the pacing. Gary Briggle as the Major-General was especially felicitous at the tongue-tripping lyrics. In fact, he stole the show at times, especially during his ballet number in his nightshirt.

The simple plot involves a young man, Frederick, who had been allied with pirates since he was a child. On his 21st birthday, he wishes to quit piracy and return to a more conventional life. His nanny, who had been allowed to accompany him to this point, begs him to marry her, but he refuses her in favor of finding someone more his own age. Luckily, he soon chances upon a bevy of beauties on a beach party, all privileged daughters of the Major-General. He is immediately attracted to the frothy, feisty Mabel and begs for her hand. By some quirk of fate, he was born on February 29 and is therefore only legally 5, not 21, and is not allowed to marry. She vows fidelity for 60 years when he reaches the appropriate age. He returns to the pirates.

Meanwhile, the Major-General’s army of constables agrees reluctantly to take on the pirates, and a sorry battle ensues between compassionate pirates and wimpy constables. Soon everyone finds a mate, Queen Victoria is hailed and the merrymaking begins.

Actually, the merrymaking began the moment the curtain was raised and the melodious voices began their soaring. Peter Clark as King of the Pirates was commanding, while Robert M. Boldin as the handsome Frederick was sweetly resonant. Niffer Clarke’s light, precise, agile voice as Mabel was quite amazing. Her sisters provided a harmonious, fluid ensemble. The cadre of constables and the band of pirates, sometimes double-cast, were also strong. Diane Lane was competent and quite funny in her unglamorous role as Ruth, the rejected nanny who eventually gets her due.

The set design by Peter Dean Beck resonated color and provided many levels for dynamic groupings. Costume designer Karin Kopischke gave us a visual feast, especially in the daughters’ gowns. Directors William Theisen and Jamie Johns joined their myriad of talents to give us two hours of very spirited entertainment in a fashion unique to the incomparable Gilbert and Sullivan style.

But the prize goes to Briggle for his dash and sparkle and wry humor in his role as Major-General. After seeing him in this role, one can hardly imagine anyone else doing the role justice.