The Pirates of Penzance 00/00/0000

Ages: 8+
Opened: November 30, -0001

The Pirates of Penzance - 1960 - New York 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.

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Cast Set for DO RE MI at J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2024


The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company  has revealed the cast for its revival of the hit 1960 musical Do Re Mi. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

World Premiere of FOR THE PEOPLE & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2023-2024 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 8, 2023


The Guthrie Theater has announced a robust 10-production lineup of cherished classics and insightful new work for its 2023–2024 Season. See the lineup, and how to purchase tickets!

Pacific Opera Project Announces New Permanent Residence In Highland Park: POP HQ AKA “The POPera Shop”
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2023


After 12 years of pop-up performances and nomadic operations at locations around Los Angeles, Pacific Opera Project (POP) has a new permanent residence in Highland Park. Located at 125 S. Avenue 57, POP HQ AKA 'The POPera Shop' is next door to (and owned by) one of POP's most beloved venues, The Highland Park Ebell Club, where POP will host two productions per season, in addition to its signature pop-up performances at venues throughout Los Angeles. 

Pacific Opera Project Presents US Premiere Production Of ERCOLE SU'L TERMODONTE
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 6, 2022


Pacific Opera Project (POP) presents the US premiere production of the rare Vivaldi opera, Ercole su'l Termodonte, almost 300 years to the day from its original premiere with eight performances at The Highland Park Ebell Club from Friday, January 6, 2023 to Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Cast Announced for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Players Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 22, 2022


There once was a young girl named Beauty who didn't seem to fit in. Her nose was always stuck in a book and unlike her sisters, she wasn’t looking for a Prince Charming to rescue her. What she wanted was adventure and thats just what she found. Meet the cast below and join us as we open this weekend!

BWW Interview: Justin Huertas of LIZARD BOY at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Combines His Twin Passions for Comic Book Heroes & Musical Theater
by Jim Munson - Oct 3, 2021


BroadwayWorld talks to Justin Huertas, the multi-talented playwright, composer and star of 'Lizard Boy' at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. His new indie folk-rock music will be performed live in person Oct. 6 to 31 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, kicking off TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's 51st season.

BWW Review: The Best of the Decade - Reviewer Peter Nason Picks the Top 25 Local Shows & Performances of the Past 10 Years
by Peter Nason - Dec 21, 2019


25 Shows & Performances in the Tampa Bay Area That Rocked Our World from 2010 to 2019!

Skylight Music Theatre Announces Cast and Creative for RUDDIGORE, OR THE WITCH'S CURSE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2019


Skylight Music Theatre today announced the cast and creative team for Ruddigore, or The Witch's Curse, presented January 3-19, 2020 in collaboration with Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Skylight celebrates its long history of producing the works of W.S. Gilbert (book and lyrics) and Arthur Sullivan (music) with an imaginatively reinvigorated production of this classic gothic operetta. Ruddigore will be performed in a special, limited run in the Studio Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

A List of Calgary's Upcoming 2019/2020 Season
by Vicki Trask - Sep 7, 2019


Calgary's thriving theatre season officially got under way this September with the opening of Stage West's a?oeThere Goes The Bridea??. Broadway World has compiled a list of some of the exciting upcoming shows that Calgarians and visitors can look forward to in this 2019/2020 season.

Folks Operetta Presents THE FLOWER OF HAWAII
by Julie Musbach - May 22, 2019


Folks Operetta continues its Reclaimed Voices Series with Paul Ábraham's exotic jazz operetta, The Flower of Hawaii featuring soprano and former Ms. Illinois Marisa Bucheit (2014) as Princess Laya/Suzanne. 

Folks Operetta Presents GOODBYE BERLIN, ALOHA HAWAII
by Julie Musbach - Mar 18, 2019


Folks Operetta continues its 2018- 2019 season of the Reclaimed Voices Series with a concert celebration of Paul Ábraham's jazz operettas in Goodbye Berlin, Aloha Hawaii! This multimedia concert, written by Hersh Glagov and Gerald Frantzen, will take place at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, Performance Penthouse, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago

Mercury Theater Chicago Announces Cast Of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
by Julie Musbach - Feb 21, 2019


Walter Stearns, Executive Director of Mercury Theater Chicago, announced today the cast and creative team of the upcoming LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running on the main stage from March 1 through April 28. The press opening is Sunday, March 10 at 7:30pm. This hit sci-fi musical has devoured the hearts of audiences around the world for more than 30 years, following the story of floral assistant who stumbles across a new breed of carnivorous plant that promises to grant him fame, fortune and all his desires - as long as the blood keeps flowing. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will feature the creative talents of Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director) and Christopher Carter (Choreographer)

2019 Minty Awards Gala Honorees Edward Morand, Comedian Richie Byrne And Wagner College's Richard And Carin Guarasci
by Stephi Wild - Oct 25, 2018


The Minty Organization for the Performing Arts, the non-profit which oversees The Minty Awards, has announced honorees for the 6th Minty Awards Dinner Gala to be held Thursday, January 17 at 7:00pm at Nicotra's Ballroom, The Hilton Garden Inn.

Bistro Winning-Carole Demas & Sarah Rice Star In Expanded Version Of THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE
by BWW News Desk - Oct 16, 2018


This year, a living legend of musical theatre turns 90: Lyricist-bookwriter Tom Jones (who also, under a stage name) appeared in the original company of his most famous and wildly successful record-breaking musical, The Fantasticks. His collaborator, composer Harvey Schmidt, just recently passed away. The production's record-breaking run closed, on January 13, 2002, after 17,162 performances. Their shows also include 110 in the Shade, I Do! I Do!, Philemon, Celebration and many more. And celebration is what it's about when Broadway veterans Carole Demas, who originated the role of Sandy in Grease, and Sarah Rice, who originated the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd, return to celebrate Jones & Schmidt. Demas and Rice have based the show on their 50 years of work and personal relationships with Tom and Harvey. With very special guest Broadway's Hal Robinson who is also a Fantasticks alumni.

Bistro Winning-Carole Demas & Sarah Rice Star In Expanded Version Of THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 16, 2018


This year, a living legend of musical theatre turns 90: Lyricist-bookwriter Tom Jones (who also, under a stage name) appeared in the original company of his most famous and wildly successful record-breaking musical, The Fantasticks. His collaborator, composer Harvey Schmidt, just recently passed away. The production's record-breaking run closed, on January 13, 2002, after 17,162 performances. Their shows also include 110 in the Shade, I Do! I Do!, Philemon, Celebration and many more. And celebration is what it's about when Broadway veterans Carole Demas, who originated the role of Sandy in Grease, and Sarah Rice, who originated the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd, return to celebrate Jones & Schmidt. Demas and Rice have based the show on their 50 years of work and personal relationships with Tom and Harvey. With very special guest Broadway's Hal Robinson who is also a Fantasticks alumni.

FOOL Takes the Stage at Alexander Upstairs
by Julie Musbach - Jul 20, 2018


Marriage! Marriage? Marriage. Fool, an original play uncovers the juicy, secrets of a marriage and the catastrophic turn of events that happen when things go a little pear shaped. A chauvinistic, custard of a husband and a devilish, sour housewife find themselves swimming around in a boiling pot of unwanted and unfortunate realities, bubbling under the surface until their shameful truths unfold. He obviously doesn't like her cooking, but this wicked woman has much bigger fish to fry and let's just say that revenge sure is sweet…beastly, dangerous and delicious!

The RRazz Room New Hope Opens It's Spring 2018 Cabaret Season With Maureen McGovern
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2018


Maureen McGovern is celebrating the 45th Anniversary of her theme song, "The Morning After," which won the Oscar for Best Song of the Year in 1973, and became an international Gold Record and garnered her a Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist.  Along with musical director/pianist Jeff Harris, Ms. McGovern will perform some of her most beloved hits, including "Can You Read My Mind?," "We May Never Love Like This Again," and of course, "The Morning After," along with many other Oscar-winning and classic film songs.

The New York Choral Society To Honor Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Blythe At Spring Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 16, 2018


The New York Choral Society (NYCHORAL) will hold its annual Spring Gala at New York's Metropolitan Club (1 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022) on Thursday evening, April 5, 2018, starting at 6:00 pm. The organization will honor renowned opera singer and recitalist Stephanie Blythe with the NYCHORAL Music Excellence Award for her contributions to the musical profession, as well as Sylvia R. Hoisington who is celebrating her 50th season with the chorus. Produced in partnership with the Richard Tucker Music Foundation, the evening's showcase performance will feature soprano Amanda Majeski and tenor Ben Bliss, both of whom will be participating in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Cosi fan tutte from March 15 to April 9, 2018. Members of the NYCHORAL Chamber Ensemble will also perform. The evening will feature a silent auction of unique items and experiences. The program is as follows:

The New York Choral Society To Honor Mezzo-Soprano Stephanie Blythe At Spring Gala April 5
by Julie Musbach - Mar 16, 2018


The New York Choral Society (NYCHORAL) will hold its annual Spring Gala at New York's Metropolitan Club (1 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022) on Thursday evening, April 5, 2018, starting at 6:00 pm.

Maureen McGovern to Appear with American A Cappella this September
by Rebecca Russo - Aug 28, 2017


Multi-Grammy nominee, Broadway and recording artist, Maureen McGovern joins 15-Time District Champions, Narragansett Bay Chorus and 8-Time Regional Champions, Coastline Show Chorus, along with senior quartet champions, Trade Secret and award-winning mixed quartet, Beantown Buds, for a very special American A Cappella show on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 3:00 pm.

The Hypocrites' Immersive PIRATES OF PENZANCE and More Set for NYU Skirball's 2017-18 Season
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2017


NYU Skirball's 2017-18 season will feature over 45 unique presentations by some of the world's leading provocateurs, artists and activists, performing unconventional and often controversial works in varied spaces throughout the Skirball Center - turning the lobby, dressing rooms, hallways and backstage areas into centers of creativity.

The Wilbury Theatre Group Announces 2017-18 Main Series Season
by BWW News Desk - Mar 6, 2017


The 2017/18 Main Series Season includes Harold Pinter's groundbreaking The Caretaker, Branden Jacob-Jenkins' Neighbors, Young Jean Lee's Church, Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece The Skin of Our Teeth, Annie Baker's The Flick, and Sean Graney and Kevin O'Donnell's subversive new adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty. 

It's High-Seas Hijinx as CCA's 2016-17 Gile Series Debuts on Today
by BWW News Desk - Oct 21, 2016


Long before Johnny Depp swaggered his way across the Caribbean, a band of swashbuckling (but tenderhearted) pirates set hearts aflutter with their high seas hijinks. The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP)' Pirates of Penzance will explode across the Capitol Center mainstage on Today, October 21, 2016, with damsels in distress, a brash Pirate King, a delightfully dotty Major-General, and a score you will hum all the way home.  This lavish production is the first free William  H. Giles concert performance of the CCA's 2016-17 season.

Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, Kate Baldwin and More Set for October at Feinstein's/54 Below
by BWW News Desk - Oct 1, 2016


This September, Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, Kate Baldwin and More Set for October at Feinstein's/54 Below
by BWW News Desk - Sep 29, 2016


This September, Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Other Productions of The Pirates of Penzance

1879   Regional (UK) World Premiere
Regional (UK)
1879   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1880   New York Unknown
New York
1880   West End London Production
West End
1884   West End London Revival
West End
1900   Broadway Unknown
Broadway
1912   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1918   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1926   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1927   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1931   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1933   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1934   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1934   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1935   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1936   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1936   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1939   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1940   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1942   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1944   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1946   Broadway Unknown
Broadway
1948   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1949   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1951   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1952   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1955   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1961   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
1976   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1977   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
1979   Off-Broadway LOOM Revival
Off-Broadway
1981   Broadway Broadway Transfer
Broadway
1981   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1982   West End London Production
West End
1985   Off-Off-Broadway Off-Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Off-Broadway
2006   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
2006   East Haddam, CT (Regional) Goodspeed Production
East Haddam, CT (Regional)
2007   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2017   West End English National Opera Revival
West End
2025   Broadway Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway Revival Production
Broadway

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