The Pirates of Penzance 1879 - Articles Page 3.4

Ages: 8+
Opened: 1879

The Pirates of Penzance - 1879 - Broadway History , Info & More

Fifth Avenue Theatre
31 W. 28th St. (Broadway) New York, NY

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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The Pirates of Penzance - 1879 - Broadway Articles Page 3.4

Opera Unlimited to Present THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Sally Henry Fuller - Jun 14, 2015


The students of the Opera Unlimited Summer Youth Opera Day Camp will present a fully-staged abridged production of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta The Pirates of Penzance on July 10th and 11th at 7 PM in the Highland High School Performing Arts Center.

All-Male THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE to Launch UK Tour This Spring
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 2, 2015


Originally seen at the Union Theatre in 2009, Sasha Regan's acclaimed all-male production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance will return for its first UK Tour, opening at Richmond Theatre on Wednesday 15 April 2015, with a press night on Thursday 16 April 2015.

Finborough Theatre to Present PRINCESS IDA, Beginning 24 March
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 2, 2015


The Finborough Theatre's acclaimed Celebrating British Music Theatre series continues with the first professional London production in over twenty years of Gilbert and Sullivan's Princess Ida opening at the Finborough Theatre for a four week limited season on Tuesday, 24 March 2015 (Press Night: Thursday, 26 March 2015 at 7.30pm).

BWW Reviews: The Explorers Club. Mad Cap Fun at the Mad Cow
by Justin J Sacramone - Jan 31, 2015


Have you ever dreamt of traveling to exotic lands? Discovering new and uncharted territories? Coming face to face with some of nature's most dangerous creatures? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a membership into one of the most exclusive clubs in London could be just the thing for you. However, do not just ask for a drink at the bar or you could find yourself falling into a ridiculous matter of circumstance.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 1/8/15- PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 8, 2015


Today in 1981, Joe Papp's revival of THe Pirates of Penzance opened at the Uris Theatre, where it ran for 787 performances. The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. The opera's official premiere was at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City on 31 December 1879, where the show was well received by both audiences and critics. Pirates was the fifth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration and introduced the much-parodied Major-General's Song.

Swashbuckling Pirates Invade Northwestern University This Summer, Now thru 8/2
by BWW News Desk - Jul 19, 2014


Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious operetta -- will be staged now through Aug. 2 as the centerpiece of Northwestern University's summer theater season.

Swashbuckling Pirates Invade Northwestern University This Summer, 7/19-8/2
by Courtnie Mele - Jun 28, 2014


Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious operetta -- will be staged July 18 through Aug. 2 as the centerpiece of Northwestern University's summer theater season.

Northwestern Theatre Schedule for Summer 2014
by Courtnie Mele - Jun 19, 2014


A hilarious musical adaptation of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, a return engagement of a popular Imagine U family production and a National Theatre Live broadcast of a classic Shakespeare tragedy are highlights of Northwestern University's SummerStage 2014 season.

Photo Flash: Seacoast Repertory Theatre Presents PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Courtnie Mele - Jun 19, 2014


Not often seen on Seacoast stages, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance is as wacky, irreverent and as entertaining today as it was when it first opened to acclaim in 1879. The story spins a hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric Major-General, all morally bound to the often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre Presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, 6/13-7/19
by BWW News Desk - Jun 13, 2014


The Pirates of Penzance is as wacky, irreverent and as entertaining today as it was when it first opened in 1879. The story spins an hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric Major-General, all morally bound to the often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty. Pirates runs June 13 - July 19. Performances on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Today and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre's PIRATES OF PENZANCE to Run 6/13-7/19
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 10, 2014


Not often seen on Seacoast stages, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance is as wacky, irreverent and as entertaining today as it was when it first opened to acclaim in 1879. The story spins a hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric Major-General, all morally bound to the often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre Presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, 6/13-7/19
by Courtnie Mele - May 24, 2014


The Pirates of Penzance is as wacky, irreverent and as entertaining today as it was when it first opened in 1879. The story spins an hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters and an eccentric Major-General, all morally bound to the often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty. Pirates runs June 13 - July 19. Performances on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Opera Columbus to Welcome New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Begin. 3/7
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 3, 2014


Join the band of swashbuckling buccaneers, bumbling British bobbies, frolicsome Victorian maidens, and the delightfully dotty 'model of a modern Major-General' for a rollicking romp over the rocky coast of Cornwall. This exuberant musical theater masterpiece, directed and conducted by Albert Bergeret with choreography by Bill Fabris, is performed in its original format with the Opera Columbus Chorus and Columbus Symphony.

BWW Reviews: Hypocrites' PENZANCE a Party Onstage at Actors Theatre
by Todd Zeigler - Jan 16, 2014


From the moment a beach ball hit me in the face to the double-curtain call standing ovation, Actors Theatre's current production of 'The Pirates of Penzance' was the most fun I've had at the theatre in a long time.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 1/8- PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 8, 2014


Today in 1981, Joe Papp's revival of THe Pirates of Penzance opened at the Uris Theatre, where it ran for 787 performances. The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. The opera's official premiere was at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City on 31 December 1879, where the show was well received by both audiences and critics. Pirates was the fifth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration and introduced the much-parodied Major-General's Song.

BWW Reviews: Oh, 'Tis Better to be a Pirate Indeed!
by Kristen Morale - Dec 29, 2013


What fun are the action filled battle scenes with their epic swashbuckling and wonderfully choreographed crew of strong men making their way across the stage to proudly proclaim their identities as pirates; with what grace do the dainty young ladies flit about and admire those same pirates who come and take them away with promises of marriage, almost too fantastical a concept to ever really work. How wonderful it is to watch two lovers remain together through the difficulties of a leap year birthday. Simply put, the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players' production of the infamous The Pirates of Penzance is one of the most remarkable shows a theatergoer will see before the near year rolls in.

BWW Reviews: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE - A Fun Frolic on the Seas
by Tim Carney - Oct 31, 2013


The Production Company rounded off its 2013 season last night with Gilbert and Sullivan's classic operetta The Pirates of Penzance. There was, however, little reference to the classic that was first performed in 1879. There have been many adaptations of the original, with this production centering on the 1981 Broadway production. This show is undoubtedly fun. In fact, that is the most apt word to describe this production. It's light and fluffy in all the right places, however, its biggest strength is also its ultimate undoing. For while director Dean Bryant has tapped into the light pantomime frolics that make Pirates so enjoyable, there is little variation to the over flamboyance presented on opening night. This show fails to find the truth in moments that call for it. Any honest point is made light of or brushed over with seemingly little regard. The show fights against itself, leaving us partially satisfied but never fully satisfied.

Scottish Opera and D'Oyly Carte Opera's THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Makes Glasgow Premiere Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2013


Marking a triumphant return from a ten year absence, D'Oyly Carte Opera Company bursts back onto the stage with an historic collaboration with Scottish Opera; taking an all-singing, all-dancing, richly theatrical production of The Pirates of Penzance on an extended, major UK tour following its premiere at Theatre Royal Glasgow tonight 15th May 2013.

Tony Nominee Jennifer Westfeldt Joins MTC's THE EXPLORERS CLUB; Full Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Apr 28, 2013


Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director), Barry Grove (Executive Producer), and Mandy Greenfield (Artistic Producer) have announced full casting for the world premiere of THE EXPLORERS CLUB, the new play by Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin, directed by Marc Bruni.

Dates in England and Wales Added to PIRATES OF PENZANCE Tour
by Kelsey Denette - Mar 22, 2013


Marking a triumphant return from a ten year absence, D'Oyly Carte Opera Company bursts back onto the stage with an historic collaboration with Scottish Opera; taking an all-singing, all-dancing, richly theatrical production of The Pirates of Penzance on an extended, major UK tour following its premiere at Theatre Royal Glasgow on the 15th May 2013.

SCERA Presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, 3/22-30
by Kelsey Denette - Mar 14, 2013


Those who attend SCERA's production of "Pirates of Penzance" might want to wear an eye patch and brandish a sword, albeit a plastic one! That's because when the timeless Gilbert and Sullivan musical farce plays at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem this month, the pirate ship will sail onto stage and the audience will become part of the crew.

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 13th, 2013
by Paul W. Thompson - Mar 13, 2013


The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Fiddler' and the Paramount triumph and make plans, two Sondheim shows next year from Gary Griffin, the return of 'Hank Williams' and 'Last Five Years,' 'Parade' and 'Pirates' in short runs, and two Victorian musical dramas, spanning the pond...and more!

Southern Rep to Offer Five 2013 Musical Theatre Summer Camps
by BWW News Desk - Mar 8, 2013


This summer, Southern Rep will be offering FIVE exciting MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER CAMPS for kids of all ages, including DISNEY'S CINDERELLA, KIDS at Carrollton United Methodist Church, and GUYS & DOLLS, JR, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, JR, and PIRATES OF PENZANCE, JR at the Lower Depths Theatre at Loyola University.

MCC's Act I Musical Productions Presents THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Now thru 3/9
by BWW News Desk - Feb 28, 2013


Mesa Community College's Act I Musical Productions presents The Pirates of Penzance, opening tonight, February 28th in Mesa, AZ in the newly renovated MCC Theatre, featuring a student cast and a mentor/guest-artist cast featuring Music Department Chair, SueAnne Lucius in the role of 'Ruth,' Katherine Stewart, Artistic Director of Desert Rose Theatre as 'Mabel,' and other members of our music faculty and alumni. THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE features Book by W.S. Gilbert and music by Arthur Sullivan.

SueAnne Lucius to Star in MCC's PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Beginning Feb 28
by Kelsey Denette - Feb 20, 2013


After a 28 year hiatus, SueAnne Lucius returns to the stage in MCC's presentation of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance playing February 28 - March 9, 2013 in MCC's newly renovated Theatre Outback.

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