Eleven days of rehearsal, 26 teens, three directors, and lots of creative energy will result in a production of Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance this Saturday at the ACT.

Pirates and bobbies will be on stage with a raucus, farcical take on the classic operetta put on by Odeum Theatre, led by Maple Ridge's Rayne Beveridge.

While high schools have several months and often double the cast to work with, Odeum Theatre puts a full production together in 11 days - full days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays when they just do a half day.

"I like to believe our performance is as put-together as other high school productions," Beveridge said.

Some teens come back year after year, and Beveridge said he's impressed with the calibre of their performances.

The teens arrive on the first day with no prior knowledge about which parts they'll be playing and not necessarily even familiar with the music.

But within a week and half, they are ready to get up on the stage and perform before a live audience at Maple Ridge's premier venue.

Beveridge said he's feeling confident about the group performing at the ACT on Saturday, despite the short rehearsal time.

"I'm not even worried," Beveridge said on Tuesday afternoon of the 12 to 17 year olds.

"I know they'll pull it together."

The group of 26 teens has been practiding at Western Academy of Martial Arts but a major sponsor of the production is the Bergthorsen Academy of Musical Arts where Beveridge works as a voice instructor.

The musical director is Clark Schaufele from Montreal and Cari Russell from Calgary is the theatare director.

Beveridge is the artistic director of the production.

This classic satirical comedy, revitalized with a few colourful contemporary touches, is full of timeless humour.

Odeum Theatre has put on full productions in Maple Ridge for several years running.

More than half of the teens performing study voice privately, perform in the BAMA Glee Club, and in school productions.

Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance is being performed Saturday, July 16, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the ACT.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and are available at the ACT Maple Ridge and the Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts.

For more information contact: Bergthorson Academy of Musical Arts, 604-467-6613, or email Rayne Beveridge at raynebeveridge@hotmail.com.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com