The Pirates Of Penzance

When, on December 31, 1879, The Pirates of Penzance opened in New York at the 5th Avenue Theatre, it marked the only occasion that a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera had its premiere in a city other than London. When, 101 years later, it opened in New York at the Uris Theatre, it marked the only occasion — so far — that a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera had a commercial Broadway run. With its modern orchestrations, bravura performances, and slightly campy approach, this version had been acclaimed when it was presented the previous summer in Central Park, where it played 42 free performances as part of Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival. (When moved to Broadway, the only major cast change was Estelle Parsons for Patricia Routledge as Ruth.) The operetta’s ardent arias and duets and sprightly patter songs are mated to a charmingly inane tale of poor Frederic (Rex Smith), who after accidentally being apprenticed to a pirate (Kevin Kline), falls in love with Mabel (Linda Ronstadt), one of eight daughters of a very model of a modern Major-General (George Rose). Among those who appeared in the Broadway production after the original cast were Treat Williams (Pirate King); Kaye Ballard (Ruth); Maureen McGovern, Kathryn Morath, and Pam Dawber (Mabel); George S. Irving (Major-General); and Robby Benson, Patrick Cassidy, and Peter Noone (Frederic). The road company was initially headed by Barry Bostwick, Jo Anne Worley, Pam Dawber, Clive Revill, and Andy Gibb. The original Broadway cast — except for the substitution of Angela Lansbury for Miss Parsons — appeared in the 1983 film version. Sophisticated Ladies. The “Caravan” number led by Gregg Burge. (Kenn Duncan)

Music

Arthur Sullivan

Lyrics

William S. Gilbert

Book

William S. Gilbert