H.M.S. Pinafore Reviews
DC Theater Arts- Recommended
"...This H.M.S. Pinafore is a unique and unforgettable experience, with or without the "Pirate Punch." In a world where we are inundated with constant stimuli, it is difficult to encounter something so truly novel. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this celebratory romp through this masterpiece of an operetta, produced in a widely accessible format which presents the audience with a plethora of sensory delights."
Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended
"...This staging, by the visiting companies The Hypocrites and the House Theatre of Chicago, turns the intimate black box into a truly immersive and interactive space. While some assigned seats are available, audience members are invited to jump into a large round tub filled with pillows, sit on top of an onstage bed, or climb a slide to become part of the action (scenic design by Tom Burch)."
MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended
"...Directed and adapted by Sean Graney and co-adapted by Andra Velis Simon and Matt Kahler, the production is chock full of talent, high energy and playfulness that offer the audience, even for just these 70 minutes, a welcome respite from the world’s events."
DCTheatreScene- Recommended
"...Gilbert and Sullivan are turning in their graves, no doubt. But then, they were turning restlessly in their beds more than a century and a half ago as theater troupes, particularly in these unruly United States, were ripping off their shows left and right with every kind of bizarre version and adaptation, honoring copyright primarily in the breach of it. Could the famed duo help it if their songs were so ridiculously intoxicating that performers would have at them any which way, never mind the licensing fees?"
BroadwayWorld- Highly Recommended
"...Kudos to Sean Graney Adaptor, Director, and "The Hypocrites" Artistic Director who is responsible for gender reversals. "Sweet Little Buttercup" has been transformed into a bearded man (Matt Kahler). Ralph Rackstraw is now Ralphina (Dana Saleh Omar). The Captain's daughter Josephine is now son Joseph (Mario Aivazian). The whole ensemble is just plain superb and are filled with enthusiasm. They include: Shawn Pfautsch, Tina Munoz Pandya, Eduardo Xavier Curley-Carrillo, Steven Romero Schaeffer, Lauren Vogel, Leslie AnnSheppard, and Aja Wiltshire."