Jackie Hoffman to Join PIRATES OF PENZANCE in Yiddish at Symphony Space

This special concert version of the world-famous Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is ingeniously adapted with a Yiddish libretto by Al Grand, and adapted with additional material by Allen Lewis Rickman. Rickman also directs the production.  “Di Yam Gazlonim” premiered at NYTF in 2007, received a Drama Desk nomination for Best Revival and was a New York Times Critic’s pick.
 
In addition to the Emmy-nominated Hoffman (“Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish) as Rivke (Ruth in the original), “Pirates” features Allen Lewis Rickman (“A Serious Man”) as Der Groyser General (Major General); Annabel Milisa Parker (NYTF’s “Pearls of Yiddish Song”) as Malke (Mabel); Drew Seigla (NY City Opera’s “The Garden of the Finzi-Continis”) as Fayvl (Frederick); the MAC Award-winning Adam B. Shapiro (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Sargeant of Police; and noted silent film pianist (Film Forum) Steve Sterner as Groyser Gazlen (Pirate King).
 
Among the ensemble are Bob Ader (NYTF’s “The Golden Bride”); prolific voice over artist and Yiddish singer Ashley Adler; Kirk Geritano (“Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish); comic opera standout Hannah Goodman; Stephanie Lynne Mason (Hodl in “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish); Eli Mayer (NYTF’s “Amid Falling Walls”); John Reed (“Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish), and Yelena Shmulenson (“The Essence: A Yiddish Theatre Dim Sum”). Music director Zalmen Mlotek leads a 9-piece orchestra.  Simultaneous supertitles in English are projected on stage.
 
A reimagining of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical milestone, “Di Yam Gazlonim” takes the tale of a dutiful pirate apprentice to new depths, seeing it through the lens of Yiddish culture, and replacing Victorian propriety with exuberant Yiddishkayt.