New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players - Pirates of Penzance

Doing one’s duty may be honorable, but becoming its slave, to the point of honoring an apprenticeship to a band of pirates, is a typical Gilbertian comment on excess. Frederic is the erstwhile apprentice of these sentimental pirates who, now that he is 21 years old, has decided to devote himself to the extermination of piracy – until he discovers, in another Gilbertian twist, that his 21st birthday won’t occur until the distant date of 1940 because he was born in leap year on Feb. 29th. Kissing romantic Mabel farewell, he must return to his former colleagues after disclosing that her father, Major-General Stanley, has lied to the Pirate King about being an orphan, the well known secret for any captive to obtain mercy. The pirates seek revenge for having been played, easily defeat a band of diffident and out-gunned policemen, and then yield “in Queen Victoria’s name” when it is revealed that they are all noblemen who have gone wrong.

“Opulent…colorful and inventive…beautifully crafted…The chorus of pirates, daughters and policemen sang and acted delightfully, and the orchestra supported the cast with robust playing guaranteed to warm the most demanding Savoyard’s heart.

— The New York Times

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

For over fifty years, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) is America’s preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble. Founded by Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as “the leading custodian of the G&S classics” by New York Magazine, NYGASP has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented over 3,000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.K. captivating audiences of all ages.