By Jenn Watt

The Highlands Little Theatre is ready to set sail on a new voyage this season presenting HMS Pinafore at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.

A cast of local thespians is readying themselves to present the Gilbert and Sullivan musical set on a ship anchored off the coast of England.

“One of the sailors who is a commoner falls in love with the captain’s daughter and she with him. But because of their difference in rank they’re not allowed to be together. And she is promised in marriage to this Sir Joseph and he shows up with his entourage of ladies – sisters cousins and aunts – who go along with him. Ultimately it’s a love story” says Amy Brohm stage manager of the production.

“If they enjoyed Pirates last year they’ll definitely enjoy it. The music is great the singing is amazing” she says.

Last year the little theatre group mounted the ambitious Pirates of Penzance a raucous musical led on the piano by Bill Gliddon.

Gliddon’s back again this year as are several of the cast members.

Occupying the lead roles this year are Chris Chumbley Hannah Klose Wayne Cooper Guy Pritchard Stephen Thayer Barry Wilhelm Ruth Carter and Sarah Patrick.

As always the show is a true community affair with Chris Simpson and his class at the high school helping to create the sets. Pat Piche is the stage director.

Brohm says there are several fun interpretations of the play to be discovered including when the women arrive brought in by a barge that moves in front of the stage. There’s also a bit of audience interaction she says.

“It’s Gilbert and Sullivan so there’s lots of making fun of the aristocracy” she says.

HMS Pinafore is being performed Thursday March 31; Friday April 1; Saturday April 2 at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee on April 3 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 (including tax) and can be purchased through Jim Frost at 705-457-4031 or at Cranberry Cottage in Haliburton and Pharmasave in Minden.