The History and Story of "The Pirates of Penzance"

The Pirates of Penzance (or The Slave of Duty) was the 5th collaboration of composer Sir Arthur Sullivan and librettist W.S. Gilbert, immediately following the very popular HMS Pinafore. The opera's official premiere was in New York City on December 31, 1879, with the London premiere occurring more than 3 months later on April 3, 1880. Both productions were very well-received by audiences and critics and had lengthy runs.

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 February 29, 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. Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. Of course, all ends well after many shenanigans.

The Mercury Opera Rochester Chorus will play a large role in the production as pirates, daughters of the Major-General, and policemen. Gerard Floriano conducts the full orchestra and a cast of internationally-recognized singers in this timeless and popular Gilbert & Sullivan comedy. Dramatic Direction is by Bill Fabris, with favorites Kathryn Cowdrick (Julia Child in Bon Appétit! and Suzuki in Madama Butterfly) as Ruth, John Davies (Dr. Grenvil in La Traviata, Sacristan & Jailer in Tosca, Leporello in Don Giovanni) as Major General Stanley, Jimi James (Dr. Bartolo in The Barber of Seville) as the Sergeant, and upcoming stars Sarah Callinan as Mabel, Brandon McReynolds as Frederic, and Andrew Gilchrist as the Samuel. Gilbert & Sullivan specialist Duane McDevitt will sing the role of the Pirate King.

The Pirates of Penzance was the only Gilbert and Sullivan opera to have its official premiere in the United States. At the time, American law offered no copyright protection to foreigners and the pair’s previous theatrical projects had been extensively “pirated” in the US to the great frustration of the creators, as they received no royalties from the unauthorized and oftentimes significantly altered versions.

The Pirates of Penzance has received several modernized productions, including Joseph Papp’s 1981 production on Broadway, which ran for 787 performances and won the Tony Award for Best Revival and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. Pirates remains popular today, taking its place along with The Mikado and HMS Pinafore as one of the most frequently produced Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

Click here to meet the cast.