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The Pirates of Penzance Revival

Ages: 8+

The Pirates of Penzance - 1955 Broadway History , Info & More


Shubert Theatre (Broadway)
225 West 44th St. 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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Meet the Cast of WAITING FOR GODOT, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 13, 2025


Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is now on Broadway! Meet the cast of Waiting For Godot and learn more about the show here! 

Top Broadway Titles at Tribeca 2025: A Recap
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 16, 2025


Following the Tribeca Festival, BroadwayWorld has done a recap of some of the biggest theater titles, including Everything's Going to Be Great starring Bryan Cranston and Allison Janney, Mandy Patinkin's long-awaited Seasoned series, the third season of The Gilded Age, and more.

The History of THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jun 7, 2025


A new version of the classic, The Pirates of Penzance, is currently commanding the stage at Roundabout’s Todd Haimes Theatre on 42nd Street—formerly the American Airlines and before that, the Selwyn. This revisal of the beloved show is titled: Pirates! The Penzance Musical.

2025 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025


Nominations for the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced. This year’s awards, hosted by Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess, will be held on Sunday, June 1 at 6:15pm at NYU Skirball  Check out the full list here!

Cast Confirmed For the London Return of Joanna Pickering's BAD VICTIMS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2023


Bad Victims, written and performed, by award-wining Joanna Pickering, and directed by Erica Gould (world premiers of Neil LaBute and Theresa Rebeck) confirms its cast and returns to stage at The Courtyard Theatre, London with three more special dates on April 26th, 27th and 28th.

Joanna Pickering's BAD VICTIMS to Return to the London Stage in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2023


Bad Victims, written and performed, by award-wining Joanna Pickering, and directed by Erica Gould returns to stage, with its original cast, at The Courtyard Theatre, London by popular demand, adding two special dates on March 14th and 15th.

Cast Announced For Joanna Pickering's BAD VICTIMS At The Courtyard Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 17, 2022


Casting has been announced for Bad Victims, a new play from award-nominated playwright Joanna Pickering at The Courtyard Theatre, directed by Erica Gould. 

Theater At Monmouth Present Season 52- (R)EVOLUTIONARY REDUX
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2021


This summer, give yourself a break and journey to the lakes region of Central Maine to celebrate the re-emergence of live theater in Maine. Join  Theater at Monmouth for its (R)evolutionary Redux Season.

BKLYN THE MUSICAL, SCARAMOUCHE JONES, CRUISE and More Available to Stream in March and April
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2021


stream.theatre is adding even more shows to their platform through March and April including 4 exclusive digital premieres of major new productions. For drama fans, Shane Richie stars a new revival of Scaramouche Jones by Justin Butcher, which premieres on 26 March.

Jazz Icon and Actor Annie Ross Has Passed Away at 89
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 22, 2020


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that jazz icon and actor Annie Ross has passed away at age 89.

150+ Musicals That You Can Stream Now!
by Team BWW - Jun 26, 2025


Visit our list of the best musicals & shows you can watch from home! We've got you covered with all the must-sees on streaming sites including Tony-award winners, favorite stars and top performances.

Pacific Opera Project Announces 10th Anniversary Season In 2020
by Julie Musbach - Sep 4, 2019


Pacific Opera Project (POP) announces its 2020 season productions, marking the company's 10th anniversary season of accessible, affordable, and entertaining opera curated by Artistic Director Josh Shaw. Having produced its first show in July 2011, POP's most recent production, The Mikado, was the company's 35th production to date, totaling 29 different operas at 12 venues. In just the past two years, POP's live streams have garnered over 155,000 views.

5th Avenue's KISS ME, KATE Begins Next Week
by Julie Musbach - Mar 28, 2018


Rehearsals are in full swing for The 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Kiss Me, Kate, which begins performances next Friday, April 6.

BANDSTAND's Laura Osnes Returns to Cafe Carlyle with 'COCKEYED OPTIMISTS' Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 26, 2017


Two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes makes her return to Caf Carlyle with Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Ted Sperling and special guest, two-time Drama Desk nominee Ryan Silverman in Cockeyed Optimists: The World of Rodgers and Hammerstein, tonight, September 26, through September 30.

BANDSTAND's Laura Osnes to Return to Cafe Carlyle with 'COCKEYED OPTIMISTS' Next Week
by BWW News Desk - Sep 21, 2017


A friendly reminder! Two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes makes her return to Caf Carlyle with Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Ted Sperling and special guest, two-time Drama Desk nominee Ryan Silverman in Cockeyed Optimists: The World of Rodgers and Hammerstein, September 26-30.

Laura Osnes to Return to Cafe Carlyle with 'COCKEYED OPTIMISTS'
by BWW News Desk - Sep 5, 2017


Two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes makes her return to Cafe Carlyle with Tony and Drama Desk Award winner Ted Sperling and special guest, two-time Drama Desk nominee Ryan Silverman in Cockeyed Optimists: The World of Rodgers and Hammerstein, September 26-30.

Breaking News: Kevin Kline Will Return to Broadway Next Year in PRESENT LAUGHTER
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 27, 2016


Back in February, BroadwayWorld reported that stage and screen star Kevin Kline would star in The Acting Company's reading presentation of Noel Coward's charming comedy PRESENT LAUGHTER. Now he's taking the show to Broadway, according to the New York Times.  

Photo Coverage: Pittsburgh CLO's CHICAGO!
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - Jun 17, 2016


Set inside the sensationalized female murderess craze that swept 1920s Chicago, CHICAGO draws its audience into a world of crime and glitz against the vivid backdrop of the jazz age. A first time production for Pittsburgh CLO, CHICAGO is sure to be 'all that jazz' and more!

Broadway Veterans to Lead Pittsburgh CLO's CHICAGO
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 7, 2016


Set inside the sensationalized female murderess craze that swept 1920s Chicago, CHICAGO draws its audience into a world of crime and glitz against the vivid backdrop of the jazz age. A first time production for Pittsburgh CLO, CHICAGO is sure to be 'all that jazz' and more!

A Red Orchid Theatre Extends THE MUTILATED
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 8, 2016


?Due to popular demand, A Red Orchid Theatre has extended its critically-acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams' The Mutilated, directed by Ensemble Member Dado. The Mutilated will now run through March 13, 2016. The Mutilated features Ensemble Members Lance Baker, Jennifer Engstrom, Mierka Girten, Steve Haggard, Shade Murray, Doug Vickers and Natalie West with Ciera Dawn, Jennifer Glasse, Roy Gonzalez, Mario Hernandez, Morgan Maher, Lauren Vogel and Dominque Worsley. A Red Orchid Theatre is located at 1531 N Wells.

Cabrillo Music Theatre's OKLAHOMA! Coming to TOPAC This July
by BWW News Desk - May 29, 2015


OKLAHOMA! opens on Friday, July 17th , 2015, playing until Sunday, July 26th , and features an added mid-week matinee on July 22nd , at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. 

BWW Reviews: Playhouse Has a Right to 'Crow' About PETER PAN
by Joseph Baker - Dec 8, 2014


Having witnessed the stultifying, bloated NBC production of PETER PAN LIVE (what were the 'powers that be' thinking would hold a child's attention span for three hours, however padded with yet more Peter Pan plugs from Walmart?), I was reluctant to attend Playhouse on the Square's annual production of the James Barrie children's classic. I am probably one of the handful of reviewers to recall the 1955 NBC production (and later one as well) with the legendary pairing of Mary Martin and Cyril Ritchard (whose fruity, overly ripe 'Captain Hook' would make Johnny Depp's 'Jack Sparrow' seem more like a white collar executive). As an IPad-free child inured to black and white fare, it hardly mattered that Mary Martin was, to put it politely, mature; that the production values were clunky; that the wires and 'Tinker' herself were glaringly apparent. In short, I was captivated. Yet, Martin possessed the kind of spunk and spontaneity that made us children believe (not to mention that she had the kind of singing voice that made her a legendary Broadway performer, as evidenced by SOUTH PACIFIC and SOUND OF MUSIC). She could make a child want to fly. Allison Williams, last evening's 'Peter,' lacked that optimistic boyishness (though she had the tomboyish Hilary Swank look 'nailed') and, despite having a pleasant enough voice, often seemed out of breath; but Chrisopher Walken, whom I like and who I initially thought would be inspired casting, seemed to have wandered in from a cocktail party hosted by zombies. His dancing made that of the Monster in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN seem as nimble as that of Fred Astaire. Despite the wonderful lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and despite the 'ear candy' musical score by Mark Charlalp and Jule Stein, those long, middle stretches in Neverland made me wonder if it would Neverend.

San Francisco Opera Presents Company Premiere of Carlisle Floyd's SUSANNAH, Now thru 9/21
by BWW News Desk - Sep 6, 2014


San Francisco Opera presents the Company premiere of Carlisle Floyd's two-act opera Susannah today, September 6 at the War Memorial Opera House.

San Francisco Opera to Present Company Premiere of Carlisle Floyd's SUSANNAH, 9/6-21
by BWW News Desk - Aug 12, 2014


San Francisco Opera presents the Company premiere of Carlisle Floyd's two-act opera Susannah September 6 at the War Memorial Opera House. Soprano Patricia Racette returns to San Francisco Opera in her role debut as the innocent, strong-willed and falsely accused young woman Susannah Polk.

Goodspeed's Red Sox Edition of DAMN YANKEES Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Apr 30, 2014


Goodspeed Musicals kicks off its 2014 season at the Goodspeed Opera House with the home run hit Damn Yankees. Goodspeed brings a unique New England flavor to its production, setting it in 1955 Boston and pitting the storied Yanks against the beloved Boston Red Sox. This ace musical comedy runs now through June 21 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Conn.

The Pirates of Penzance History

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
2024   West End
West End
2025   Broadway Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway Revival Production
Broadway

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