Merola Opera Presents PIRATES OF PENZANCE at MEROLA GOES TO THE MOVIES Today

The Merola Opera Program and the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch are teaming up for Merola Goes to the Movies, a new series that presents great opera-themed movies.

Gilbert and Sullivan's swashbuckling operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, will be screened today, May 24 at 1 pm in the Koret Auditorium at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch (100 Larkin Street). Admission is free.

Each film is preceded by a short, pre-screening talk by a representative, who will give an insider's look at the opera and interesting facts about the making of the film.

Filmed right after its Tony-winning Broadway run, this entertaining 1983 film adaption features swashbuckling pirates, love-struck maidens and the very model of a modern Major General. Full of laughs and the brilliant music and lyrics of Gilbert and Sullivan, join us for an afternoon of high C's on the high seas! Performed in English

The cast includes Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, Rex Smith and Angela Lansbury. Pirates of Penzance is directed by Wilford Leach.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Screenings are recommended for ages 10 and older.

Guests are welcome to enter a free drawing where you can win Merola Opera Program prizes.

For 56 years, the Merola Opera Program has been regarded as the foremost opera training program for aspiring singers, coaches and stage directors. As the cornerstone of San Francisco Opera's training and performance programs for promising young artists, Merola has served as a proving ground for hundreds of artists, including Ruth Ann Swenson , Deborah Voigt , Anna Netrebko, Patricia Racette, Sylvia McNair, Thomas Hampson, Carol Vaness, Joyce DiDonato, Susan Graham, and Dolora Zajick among many others.

For information about Merola Goes to the Movies, visit www.Merola.org or call the Merola Opera Program at 415.565.6427.