Thistle Rose Academy of Arts Presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

Thistle Rose Academy of Arts presents W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's comedic opera "The Pirates of Penzance." It has been nearly 139 years since the New York premiere of Gilbert and Sullivan's follow up to their smash hit "H.M.S. Pinafore" and yet, the catchy melodies and clever lyrics prove as entertaining today as they ever were.

The story follows the antics of an ineffectual band of pirates, a Major General and his bevy of lovely daughters and a bumbling police squad. Our young hero, Frederic, tries to find balance and his place within this world, torn between his desire for love and his overwhelming sense of duty. This satire pokes fun at the Victorian obsession with duty, sometimes leading the characters to make choices based solely on this guiding principal.

This is a collaborative effort between the Thistle Rose Players and Thistle Rose Young Artists. Participants range in age from 13 to over 70. Experience levels vary from professional and semi-professional, to student and first time performers. As part of the Academy's mission to uplift and educate those with a desire to grow artistically, the lead roles of this show have been double cast. This allows for even more artists to participate in the experience of singing a lead operatic role, while also providing built-in coaching and mentoring from those with slightly more experience in the art form. The Thursday evening and Saturday matinee will feature one cast of leads. Friday and Saturday evening will feature the other cast. Both groups offer a great depth of talent, skill and effort which the players have poured into this production. All members of the cast are participating in all shows, picking up as chorus members when not in their lead roles.

Thistle Rose Academy of Arts is an inclusive organization that seeks to engage community members of all ages, walks of life and skill levels to explore, grow and practice all manner of the Arts.