Union Avenue Opera Begins Their Season with PIRATES OF THE PENZANCE 7/9-7/17

Union Avenue Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance.

Finally able to leave his apprenticeship to the Pirate King, Frederic comes ashore and instantly falls in love with the innocent daughter of the Major-General, Mabel. But how will the Major-General handle it when ALL the pirates want to marry his daughters without consent? Abundant laughter ensues with this timeless Gilbert and Sullivan operetta perfect for all ages.

Don't miss the tongue twisting "Model of a Modern Major-General" and the coy coloratura "Poor Wand'ring One" in UAO's first-ever fully staged G & S!

Performances take place: July 9, 10, 16, 17, and 18 M at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee 3 pm at the Union Avenue Opera, 733 N. Union Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108.

Ticket Prices: $52-Patron Level (Includes $12 Tax-Deductible Donation), $40-Reserved Center, $38-Reserved Center Senior/Student, $32-General Admission, $30-General Admission Senior/Student, $15 Student rush tickets available 10 minutes before, cash only.

For additional information, or to purchase tickets, please call Union Avenue Opera at 314-361-2881 or visit our website at www.unionavenueopera.org.

A free preview performance featuring excerpts from the show takes place on July 16 at 7 p.m at Third Degree Glass' Third Friday event (5200 Delmar).

Mark James Meier directs and Scott Schoonover conducts an ensemble that includes: Robert Boldin as Frederic, Victoria Botero as Mabel, Andrew Papas as Major General, Todd von Felker as the Pirate King and Denise Knowlton as Ruth.

About UAO: In 1994, Scott Schoonover founded Union Avenue Opera to provide a venue for young, talented singers, musicians, directors and technicians and to bring affordable, professional opera in original languages to the St. Louis community. Now in its 16th season, UAO continues to grow. Next up in the 2010 season is Donizetti's romantic comedy La fille du régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment). Performances will be held on July 30, 31. August 7 at 8pm, and August 8 at 3pm.