Marc Kudisch is the Pirate King in NYCO's 'Penzance'

Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance will return to the New York City's repertoire, beginning previews on Saturday, March 3 and opening on March 7.  The production will star Marc Kudisch as the Pirate King. 

Kudisch will be joined by Sarah Jane McMahon as Mabel, Myrna Paris as Ruth, Matt Morgan as Frederic and Kevin Burdette (last seen opposite Michael Ball in City Opera's Patience) as the Sergeant of Police.  This cast will sing all 16 performances and remaining cast members will be announced soon. 

Conducted by Gerald Steichen, Lillian Groag directs this new production of Pirates, co-produced with Glimmerglass Opera, which features sets by John Conklin, costumes by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Pat Collins and choreography by Lynne Hockney.  The Pirates of Penzance was last presented by City Opera in 1977.  This production of Pirates has leadership support provided by The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation. 

Kudisch, who has previously been seen at NYCO as Carl-Magnus in A Little Night Music, received a 2005 Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Other Broadway credits include: Assassins (Drama Desk nomination), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Circle Critics nominations), Bells Are Ringing, The Wild Party, The Scarlet Pimpernel, High Society, Beauty and the Beast, and Joseph…Dreamcoat.   He is currently in rehearsals for Roundabout Theatre Company's new revival of The Apple Tree.

New York City Opera performances take place at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center (63rd St & Columbus).  This limited engagement will run for sixteen performances only.   Ticket prices range from $16 to $125.  Additional details of New York City Opera's 2006-2007 season, including a synopsis of each opera and a trailer, are available on City Opera's website at www.nycopera.com.  For more information, call City Opera's box office at (212) 721-6500.