Twin Cities Pioneer Press - Highly Recommended

"...Given the time to marinate, this re-created "Pirates" is eminently sure of itself and its decision to turn the goof-o-meter up to 11. No gesture goes unmagnified and no opportunity to mug is squandered. With 19 -- count 'em! 19! -- musicians sawing away in the pit under the baton of Steve Tyler, the music is lush and crisply executed."
Read Full Review

How Was The Show - Highly Recommended

"...Especially the music. Everyone sings the wonderful music with laudable authority. Everybody. Especially (as a reviewer, I'm obigated to single out favorite performers) Brandon O'Neill at the lusty Pirate King, Gary Briggle as Major-General Stanley (more about Mr. B in a moment) and Hunter Ryan Herdlicka as Frederick the not-the-sharpest-tool-in-the-shed apprentice. But the hearty Pirates are wonderful, and ditto the Leaping Maidens, and the Canadian Mounties (??) with their disturbing riding crops. Whoever is responsible for the mics (Steve Tyler, the music director? Jason Allyn-Schwerin, the tech director? Alex Hawthorn, the sound dude?) served the play masterfully. Tyler made sure the music is tight and unflacid. Bravos, all."
Read Full Review

Aisle Say Twin Cities - Highly Recommended

"...It's pretty simple: if the thought of pirates mixing in singing and dancing with their swashbuckling doesn't sound awesome to you, then... well, first of all, I think you're crazy. But second of all, you should probably stay clear of the Ordway between now and August 16, because their production of The Pirates of Penzance is chock full of well-choreographed piratey songs. Heck, even the drinks at the bar are pirate-themed, and the ushers are gussied up pirate-style. All pirates all the time here, folks. So, seriously, pirate-haters beware. And everybody else, get your tickets now because this show is so much fun."
Read Full Review