The Pirates of Penzance Revival 1979 - Articles Page 1.8

Ages: 8+
Opened: November 7, 1979
Closing: May 25, 1980

The Pirates of Penzance - 1979 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

No Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera boasts as many walk-away tunes as The Pirates of Penzance, the only collaboration of the pair to premiere on Broadway, and not in England. Building on the success of the previous year’s H.M.S. Pinafore, but trading—as their principal “serious” focus—the rigors of naval discipline for the obligations of duty, G&S manage to burlesque their normal share of popular institutions, including the army, the police, and operatic sopranos. Pirate apprentice Frederic, at age 21, has faithfully served out his indentures and, replete with a sense of duty, joins the police force, determined to exterminate his old mates. He falls in love with Mabel, the first girl he sees, but the daughter of Major-General Stanley, who himself is the target of a pirate revenge plot. Plans go awry when it is revealed that, thanks to a leap-day birth, Frederic is really only five and one-quarter years old. The engaging musical score includes some of the catchiest music in the G&S canon: Mabel’s pyrotechnic “Poor, wandering one;” the tongue-twisting patter song “I am the very model of a modern major-general;” “A policeman’s lot;” “Climbing over rocky mountain”—a survivor from Thespis, G&S’s lost first stage work; and “With catlike tread,” which, more than a quarter-century later, was given new words as “Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.” At The Egyptian Theatre.

Get The Pirates of Penzance Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Photo Flashback: Robby Benson in 1979
by Walter McBride - Jan 13, 2020

Blast into the past with this photo of Robby Benson in 1979!

BWW Feature: Tony Nominee Jeff McCarthy to Re-Create Acclaimed Portrayal of SWEENEY TODD In 40th Anniversary Production At Noorda Center
by Blair Howell - Oct 1, 2019

Tony Award nominee Jeff McCarthy will step in to replace previously announced Will Swenson in the title role in Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece musical thriller SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET in a co-production by The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts and Utah Repertory Theater Company onstage at Utah Valley University Oct. 24-Nov. 9.

MasterVoices Announces 2019-20 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 19, 2019

Ted Sperling, Artistic Director of MasterVoices, announced details of the acclaimed ensemble's 78th season, celebrating the joy of choral singing and the power of the human voice to unite, inspire and connect since 1941. Highlights include three major musical presentations at top venues, including a New York premiere, and the World Premiere of a new work, commissioned by the Company. Throughout the season there will be collaborations with leading singers, artists, ensembles and organizations, some who are familiar with and others who are new to the Company.

Who Will Win at the 2019 Tony Awards? We Compare Year By Year!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2019

The 72nd Annual Tony Awards are this Sunday June 10th at 8/9c hosted by Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles. It's the biggest award show of the Broadway season and it closes out a long awards season for Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays. We can't help but wonder what chances this year's Best Musical and Best Play nominees have of taking home the ultimate prize...

Mickey Thomas Of Starship To Star In New Production Of ROCK OF AGES At The 5th Avenue Theatre; Full Casting Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 3, 2019

The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced that Mickey Thomas, the lead singer of Starship (formerly Jefferson Starship), will star as Dennis in its sensational new production of Rock of Ages. Rock of Ages is the '80s rock ballad blast that features the music of Styx, Joan Jett, Twisted Sister, and more. With Mickey Thomas as lead vocalist, Starship produced hits including "We Built This City" (which appears in the production), "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara."

Dream The Impossible Dream With MAN OF LA MANCHA In Cambridge
by Julie Musbach - Sep 20, 2018

The 2018 Season continues on high note this fall with the epic Broadway musical Man of La Mancha on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge) from October 10 to November 4. This timeless tale of love and redemption starring Artistic Director Alex Mustakas as Don Quixote is sure to enthrall audiences with its enchanting melodies and grand theatrical transformations.

Who Will Win at the 2018 Tony Awards? We Compare Year By Year!
by BWW Special - Jun 10, 2018

The 72nd Annual Tony Awards are this Sunday June 10th at 8/9c hosted by Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles. It's the biggest award show of the Broadway season and it closes out a long awards season for Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays. We can't help but wonder what chances this year's Best Musical and Best Play nominees have of taking home the ultimate prize...

Photo Flash: TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Set to Open at Walnut Theatre
by Julie Musbach - Apr 11, 2018

Walnut Street Theatre's 2017-18 Independence Studio on 3 Season concludes with Andrew Lloyd Webber's romantic musical TELL ME ON A SUNDAY. Directed by Debi Marcucci and starring The Phantom of the Opera's Julia Udine, the production begins with previews on April 10th, opens on April 12th, and continues through June 10th in the Walnut's Independence Studio on 3.

Dream Of True Love With Andrew Lloyd Webber's TELL ME ON A SUNDAY
by Julie Musbach - Mar 23, 2018

Walnut Street Theatre's 2017-18 Independence Studio on 3 Season concludes with Andrew Lloyd Webber's romantic musical TELL ME ON A SUNDAY. Directed by Debi Marcucci and starring The Phantom of the Opera's Julia Udine, the production begins with previews on April 10th, opens on April 12th, and continues through June 10th in the Walnut's Independence Studio on 3.

Frances Ruffelle and More Set for Jamie deRoy's 'TIS THE SEASON Actors Fund Benefit at Birdland
by BWW News Desk - Nov 16, 2017

Show business tour de force Jamie deRoy - the award-winning producer, cabaret, stage, film and TV performer and humanitarian - will bring her star-packed Jamie deRoy & friends holiday show to New York's famed Birdland, Monday, December 11, at 7 p.m.

Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival 2017 Announces Opening Lineup
by BWW News Desk - Jul 25, 2017

Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival , one of New York's premier summer performance series, kicks off its 51st season on July 25. Among the highlights in the first two weeks are a special opening concert led by Louis Langrée, Renée and Robert Belfer Music Director, featuring traditional and indigenous songs from Mozart's time; a choral presentation by Les Arts Florissants; and guest conductors Edward Gardner and Gianandrea Noseda; festival debuts by more than 10 artists, including Kit Armstrong, Janai Brugger, Jennifer Johnson Cano, S? Percussion, Beatrice Rana, Ksenija Sidorova, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City; and the New York premiere of David Lang's concerto for percussion, man made. A complete listing of events from July 25 through August 6 follows.

Jonathan Groff Signs on for SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at The Hollywood Bowl; Cast Complete!
by BWW News Desk - Jul 10, 2017

The Hollywood Bowl has announced that Sarah Uriarte Berry, Philip Boykin, and Jonathan Groff will complete the cast for a benefit performance of SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, conceived and directed on Broadway by James Lapine.

Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival 2017 Announces Opening Lineup
by BWW News Desk - Jun 22, 2017

Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival , one of New York's premier summer performance series, kicks off its 51st season on July 25. Among the highlights in the first two weeks are a special opening concert led by Louis Langrée, Renée and Robert Belfer Music Director, featuring traditional and indigenous songs from Mozart's time; a choral presentation by Les Arts Florissants; and guest conductors Edward Gardner and Gianandrea Noseda; festival debuts by more than 10 artists, including Kit Armstrong, Janai Brugger, Jennifer Johnson Cano, S? Percussion, Beatrice Rana, Ksenija Sidorova, and the Young People's Chorus of New York City; and the New York premiere of David Lang's concerto for percussion, man made. A complete listing of events from July 25 through August 6 follows.

Who Will Win at the 2017 Tony Awards? We Compare Year By Year!
by BWW Special Coverage - Jun 8, 2017

The 71st Annual Tony Awards are this Sunday June 11th at 8/9c hosted by Kevin Spacey. It's the biggest award show of the Broadway season and it closes out a long awards season for Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays. We can't help but wonder what chances this year's Best Musical and Best Play nominees have of taking home the ultimate prize...

Skylight Music Theatre Presents SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 13, 2017

Skylight Music Theatre closes the 2016-17 season with Stephen Sondheim's Tony-Award winning Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The musical thriller runs Friday, May 19 through Sunday, June 11, 2017 in the Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee.

The Atlanta Opera Presents FROM OPERA TO OPRY, Today
by BWW News Desk - Dec 7, 2016

The Atlanta Opera will present the first-ever production of From Opera to Opry: Liquor, Love and the Lord on Today, December 7 at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. The concert event, in collaboration with ADA Ovations, will feature renowned professional opera singers... as well as the bluegrass and country stylings of Cletus McHatfield and the McHatfield Fambly Singers. The evening will include an entertaining blend of country music, bluegrass, opera arias, and humor that gets right to the heart of the striking similarity between the themes and inspiration that drove both legendary opera composers and iconic country songwriters to write the music that speaks to us all.

The Atlanta Opera Presents FROM OPERA TO OPRY, 12/7
by Christina Mancuso - Nov 22, 2016

The Atlanta Opera will present the first-ever production of From Opera to Opry: Liquor, Love and the Lord on Wednesday, December 7 at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse. The concert event, in collaboration with ADA Ovations, will feature renowned professional opera singers... as well as the bluegrass and country stylings of Cletus McHatfield and the McHatfield Fambly Singers. The evening will include an entertaining blend of country music, bluegrass, opera arias, and humor that gets right to the heart of the striking similarity between the themes and inspiration that drove both legendary opera composers and iconic country songwriters to write the music that speaks to us all.

Writers Theatre Extends Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY
by Tyler Peterson - Jul 6, 2016

Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, announces a one-week extension to Company, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production is directed by William Brown. Company features original orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, Orchestral Reductions by Ian Weinberger, music direction by Tom Vendafreddo and choreography by Brock Clawson. The show, originally slated to run through July 31, 2016, will add an additional week, through August 7, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.

Photo Coverage: Pittsburgh CLO's CHICAGO!
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - Jun 17, 2016

Set inside the sensationalized female murderess craze that swept 1920s Chicago, CHICAGO draws its audience into a world of crime and glitz against the vivid backdrop of the jazz age. A first time production for Pittsburgh CLO, CHICAGO is sure to be 'all that jazz' and more!

Broadway Veterans to Lead Pittsburgh CLO's CHICAGO
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 7, 2016

Set inside the sensationalized female murderess craze that swept 1920s Chicago, CHICAGO draws its audience into a world of crime and glitz against the vivid backdrop of the jazz age. A first time production for Pittsburgh CLO, CHICAGO is sure to be 'all that jazz' and more!

Who Will Win at the 2016 Tony Awards? We Compare Year By Year!
by BWW Special Coverage - Jun 10, 2016

The 70th Annual Tony Awards are this Sunday June 12th at 8/9c hosted by James Corden. It's the biggest award show of the Broadway season and it closes out a long awards season for Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays. We can't help but wonder what chances this year's Best Musical and Best Play nominees have of taking home the ultimate prize.

East Lynne to Present RODGERS' ROMANCE, 6/15-7/23
by Tyler Peterson - May 31, 2016

The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company presents the New Jersey premiere of "Rodgers' Romance" from June 15 - July 23.

Seth Golay Stars in BUYER & CELLAR, Opening Tonight at Unicorn Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Dec 12, 2015

BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous new one-man comedy about an out of work actor who signs up to take on the oddest of odd-jobs: the only shopkeeper in the private shopping mall beneath Barbra Streisand's Malibu mansion. Will she get him his big break? Or will life with the demanding diva try his patience and his love life? This campy comedy, directed by Darren Sextro, features KC's favorite Bat Boy, Seth Golay as Alex More.

Seth Golay Stars in BUYER & CELLAR, Starting Tonight at Unicorn Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Dec 9, 2015

BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous new one-man comedy about an out of work actor who signs up to take on the oddest of odd-jobs: the only shopkeeper in the private shopping mall beneath Barbra Streisand's Malibu mansion. Will she get him his big break? Or will life with the demanding diva try his patience and his love life? This campy comedy, directed by Darren Sextro, features KC's favorite Bat Boy, Seth Golay as Alex More.

The Pirates of Penzance FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Pirates of Penzance have there been?
The Pirates of Penzance has had 51 productions including Broadway which opened in 1900, Broadway which opened in 1900, Broadway which opened in 1912, Broadway which opened in 1912, Broadway which opened in 1918, Broadway which opened in 1918, Broadway which opened in 1926, Broadway which opened in 1926, Broadway which opened in 1927, Broadway which opened in 1927, Broadway which opened in 1931, Broadway which opened in 1931, Broadway which opened in 1933, Broadway which opened in 1933, Broadway which opened in 1934, Broadway which opened in 1934, Broadway which opened in 1934, Broadway which opened in 1934, Broadway which opened in 1935, Broadway which opened in 1935, Broadway which opened in 1936, Broadway which opened in 1936, Broadway which opened in 1936, Broadway which opened in 1939, Broadway which opened in 1940, Broadway which opened in 1942, Broadway which opened in 1944, Broadway which opened in 1946, Broadway which opened in 1946, Broadway which opened in 1948, Broadway which opened in 1949, Broadway which opened in 1949, Broadway which opened in 1951, Broadway which opened in 1952, Broadway which opened in 1952, Broadway which opened in 1955, Broadway which opened in 1955, Off-Broadway which opened in 1961, Broadway which opened in 1976, Broadway which opened in 1976, Off-Broadway which opened in 1977, Off-Broadway which opened in 1979, Broadway which opened in 1981, Broadway which opened in 1981, US Tour which opened in 1981, West End which opened in 1982, Off-Off-Broadway which opened in 1986, Off-Broadway which opened in 2006, East Haddam, CT (Regional) which opened in 2006, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 2007 and West End which opened in 2017.

Videos