By John Valdez, PPAG Reviewer

Ever wonder which side of a ship is port and which is starboard? Well so did most of the cast of SCTC’s Captain Bree and her Lady Pirates. So was one of the great running jokes of this outstanding show. Several times the first mate Fergus on the doomed ship would call out for all to look starboard and they would all go to the left side. This is of course the port side. And as the audience would laugh young Joseph Berrios would tell them all, “No starboard.”

Mr. Berrios was without a doubt one of the best young actors on the stage last night. Steel City Theatre Company presented its annual junior musical at Central High School’s auditorium to a large and excited crowd. As the show opens we meet the captain of the ship Mr. Jennings played by Joseph Hodge. Although his talent was easily seen at times his words got lost and were hard to understand.

The ship is we find carrying only prisoners and passengers. Very important passengers we learn. A very strong willed and forceful Mrs. Madam Prescott played so wonderfully by Jaeson Cruz. Her presence was felt each and every time she stepped on stage. The ship is suddenly overtaken by a very loud, strong, and tough bunch of women pirates. The above named, Captain Bree and her Lady Pirates.

As the show moves along we learn that the tough act is sometimes hiding something deeper inside and that these angry pirates are much more than they appear to be. The show is loaded with wonderful charming and colorful songs. And the choreography is first rate. All involved should be highly congratulated.

The outstanding Ruby Fries played the lead pirate, a joy to watch and her singing was spot on. She is an upcoming talent in this town. She created a character that was strong yet vulnerable at the same time a chore difficult even for a seasoned actor. The only note is that at times the shadow cast by her hat covered her pretty eyes.

As mentioned all involved were wonderful a few of the other characters that deserved mention as shining on stage are, Shawna played by Ann Whited, Rachel Jaco and Alanna Jackson. The biggest issue of the evening was the very loud and distracting feedback from the wireless microphones and the inability to hear when those same mics would cut out.

Above all I am grateful to see a community theater group in this town doing something so great for the youth. Pueblo is a unique town. Its diversity of culture and talent is unique. And the best way to grow that talent is to work closely with the youth. Thank you SCTC for doing this. Keep it up. Please come see this show it is a joy for all ages. The kids will love it and all will laugh out loud. The musical continues July 8and 9 at 7pm and a matine show July 10 at 2pm all at Central High School. Tickets $5 available at the door or by calling 719-258-8399.