The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert. The story concerns Frederic, who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born on 29 February, and so, technically, he only has a birthday each leap year. His apprenticeship indentures state that he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday, and so he must serve for another 63 years. Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic’s only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. Pirates was the fifth Gilbert and Sullivan collaboration and introduced the much-parodied major-General’s Song.

I am the very model of a modern Major-General,
I’ve information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical,
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;
I’m very well acquainted too with matters mathematical,
I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,
About binomial theorem I’m teeming with a lot o’ news—
With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse.

ETC. with the hilarity.

Here is what you should know about the Berkeley Playhouse production of The Pirates of Penzance:

1. Since this is an “operetta,” most of the story is told through lyrics and song. There is very little dialogue. Children should be encouraged to listen to the lyrics of the song to understand the action in the story. Very young children might find the story hard to follow or understand.
2. Music Director, Jonathan Fadner has added punk, ska and rock to the original music. The music and choreography will be fun (a cross between “American Idiot” and “Glee”), but there may be times when sensitive children find the songs loud.
3. Fight Choreographer, Dave Maier, has choreographed exciting stage combat scenes with authentic looking weaponry (which both young and old brandish).  Sensitive children may find these scenes loud and intense. There are a lot of  “groin shots” which most children find funny.
4. Director, Jon Tracy (well-known in the area for adapting or re-vamping classic works such as Animal Farm or The Tempest) has a unique vision for the show.  The scenery and costumes in this production of  Pirates of Penzance  are unexpected and different from other productions. This might bother POP purists.

 CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Join us in a gum-snapping, hip-shaking, hot-rockin’ musical about love and friendship in the 50’s!

School’s back from summer and the senior class is gathering for their final year at Rydell High. As head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski relive the romance of their “Summer Nights” it becomes clear that both need to change their perspective!  Sassy, funny – evocative and provocative, this infectious musical showcases all Click here to read more…