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Carole Mikita ReportingA Utah college production that won a national award 12 years ago is now on its way to Broadway. It all began at Weber State University.
The play 'Pirated' has gone through numerous rewrites and revisions; Weber State just opened a new version of it. The playwright and producer say they are ready for the Great White Way.
If he reminds you of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirate King, you're half right. He dresses the part, but he sings it. The musical comedy "Pirated" takes place on a 1930's movie set. Off-camera actors voice the roles of fading silent screen stars. The playwright and director created it in 1994; now it's back.
James Christian, playwright, Director 'Pirated': "It was more just an opportunity for the students and then some serendipitous events occurred and the interest was renewed from New York and, we'll find out."
Twelve years ago, Weber State's production of the then title "Pirated Penzance" received an invitation to perform at the Kennedy Center as part of the prestigious American College Theatre Festival.
James Christian, Playwright 1994: "Something caught fire when we weren't looking and it just kept moving and right before the show tonight, I said to the cast 'Who would have thunk?'"
A New York producer wanted to take it to Broadway then, but that didn't happen. This time it may, with the producer, costumer and set designer of "The Lion King" and "Beauty and the Beast" on board. Michael Mills, who worked on the original production as a student, is opening doors on the Great White Way.
Michael Mills, Producer 'Pirated': "Knew instinctively as soon as we arrived in New York and set up shop there. This is the show that we needed to pull, because it's proven, it's an award-winning show and audiences love it."
'Pirated' plays at Weber State through this Saturday, March 11th. As for the opening on Broadway, no decision yet. It could be months, even a year.
