Gilbert & Sullivan: Broadway Theatre Archive (The Pirates of Penzance / Kline, Ronstadt, Smith, Routledge, Delacorte Theater )
ThisPirates of Penzanceis primarily a historical document, part of the Broadway Theater Archive television series.  It presents, with some inevitable, tiny technical shortcomings, a live 1980 performance in Central  Park, not the 1983 movie of the same name that also starred Linda Ronstadt and Kevin  Kline. Those who remember that film, which had the benefit of retakes and editing,  a lavish production budget, and the spaciousness of a Hollywood studio, may find this  video less polished. On its own terms, it is nonetheless thoroughly enjoyable.Advantages of this live performance include a sense of spontaneity, and the feeling of  being part of a theatrical audience that is visibly and audibly having a very good time.  The (reduced and partly electronic) orchestra is also visible; scenery is minimal; the  onstage pirate boat, excellent for a live production, is no match for what a movie can  offer. The voices are uneven, and some of them evoke Broadway more than London.  But the performance is well styled, lively, and energetic. Gilbert and Sullivan's witty sparkle  comes through clearly.--Joe McLellan