Pirates of Penzance

For the past three years Mountain Pointe High School senior Fernando Santos spent the spring semester running track and cross country, but the 18-year-old decided to ditch his running shoes and hit the stage this spring, landing a lead role in the Mountain Pointe Theater Company's spring play Pirates of Penzance.

"This is my first and my last play," Santos said. "I watched the play (Curse of the Werewolf) first semester and I really, really enjoyed it, so that's why I joined theater. People have always told me I'm very animated."

Santos said although he misses running, he enjoys the camaraderie of the 27 cast members.

"I like everything from the songs to acting," Santos said. "Everything about it has been fun. The people here are just so awesome, and that's probably been the best part - working in an environment where everyone gets along."

In Pirates of Penzance, Santos will play Frederic, a young lad that turns 21 and plans to leave the pirate band he's been serving with, only to find out he was born on leap year and is only a mere 5-and-a-quarter years old.

Junior Kristi Mabee will play Frederic's love interest, Mabel, alongside senior Shandi Mortenson's character Ruth (Frederic's nanny), and senior Nick Loomis as the Pirate King.

The play will be Mountain Pointe theater director Kim Bonagofski's first musical.

"I knew it was going to be a challenge because this is originally an opera, but I also knew it was going to be fun because who can resist pirates?" Bonagofski said. "It's actually just fun to watch. I've been really surprised with how fun it is to watch this show."

The cast and crew began rehearsing in early January, and will perform the show April 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. in the Mountain Pointe auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults.

For more information, call (480) 759-8449.