‘Pirates of Penzance’ at Eau Gallie High School. Photo courtesy of Eau Gallie High School drama department.

By PAM HARBAUGH

Holly McFarland makes her debut as the director of a big musical this weekend when her students hit the stage at Eau Gallie High School in the production of “Pirates of Penzance.”

This popular Gilbert & Sullivan operetta revolves around Frederic, a junior pirate about to turn 21. He has plans to leave the Pirate King behind him and court the fetching young Mabel. But both Mabel’s father and the fact that Frederic was born on Feb. 29 become obstacles to his goal.

‘Pirates of Penzance’ at Eau Gallie High School

Ms. McFarland, well known throughout the area as a fine musical theater performer (she was divine as Ulla in “The Producers” at Titusville Playhouse), took over Eau Gallie High School’s acclaimed theater department after the much revered Sarah Munday retired last year.

I think it’s right to suggest that there will be many non-parents in the audience. Those, of course, will be the throngs of community theater people here turning out to support Ms. McFarland.

SIDE O’ GRITS: “Pirates of Penzance,” directed by Holly McFarland and music directed by Jordan Evans, runs 7 p.m. April 17 & 18 and 2:30 p.m. April 19 at Eau Gallie High School performing arts center, 1400 Commodore Blvd, Melbourne. Tieckets are $10 adults and $8 students and children. Cash or check only. Box office open one hour prior to curtain. Call 321-242-6400, ext. 5216.