The Pi Rates!

MABEL, A DAUGHTER OF THE VERY MODEL OF A MODERN MAJOR GENERAL, (Noelle Goodenberger) charms the mistaken apprentice-pirate Frederic (Travis Rasmussen) in a scene from La Grande High School drama department’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera “The Pirates of Penzance.” The show will open Thursday at 7 p.m. in the LHS auditorium. CHRIS BAXTER / The Observer

La Grande High School students will perform in “The Pirates of Penzance” Thursday through Saturday at the La Grande High School auditorium.

Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the door or in advance at Sunflower Books or the LHS office.

The musical by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert stars Frederick (Travis Rasmussen) as a 21-year-old man who has finished his apprenticeship with fellow pirates. He leaves the pirates who raised him and ventures into the world.

The young, beautiful maiden, Mabel (Noelle Goodenberger) catches his eye.

Alas, there is an obstacle to their love — Frederick was born in a leap year, which means he still remains a pirate.

Audience members will see the handsome, though somewhat limited pirate king (Miguel Gomez), the fast talking major general (Donovan Durfee) and the very limber sergeant of police (Quentin Durfee).

Watch Frederick do an Elvis impersonation; the major general speed talk with excellent rhymes; the police crew gyrate to their slap stick dancing; and listen to the pirate king with an award-winning flute solo.

A cast of 22 students will perform.

Denise Wheeler and Kevin Durfee are directing the play.