 Bemidji State University will debut a classic opera on the university's main stage this weekend, but the production will have a modern twist. BSU will present the Pirates of Penzance, which is a classic Gilbert and Sullivan opera. The story follows a young pirate apprentice who gets his freedom from the pirates but has trouble along the way. What is different about the adaptation, this version of the setting, rather than the traditional look, the show's director set the story in space. Really what opera is, it's commentary on life. And I think that works perfectly well in this setting. As far as not having to change many of the words, you'll notice a few times we say the space station instead of the castle, we say the ship still works. All of those items, the costumes have worked out really well if you think about Buck and the Airspace Pirates. Along with the cast of 30 Performers is a 20-member pit orchestra. The cast of the show is made up of students and staff from all departments at the university. For those performing in the show, this version of the classic story offers something for everyone. It's got comedy, it's got action, it's got drama, it's got romance, it's pirates in space. The show will run at the Bangsburg Fine Arts Complex Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.