2013 CMU Opera

            Central Michigan University’s Opera Theatre presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance Friday and Saturday, March 15 and16, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m.*

A comedic opera with a satirical take on ruthless classism in late 19 century England, The Pirates of Penzance follows the misfortunes of Frederic, who has been serving as apprentice to the gentlemanly pirates. Sadly for Frederic, his apprenticeship binds him until his 21 birthday, meaning he would serve until his 84 year due to his being a leap year baby.

This literal take on his apprentice contract, paired with his strong sense of duty, results in Frederic’s separation from the beautiful maiden Mable. The interactions between a very modern major-general, his daughters, a group of ineffective policemen and, of course, the hopeless band of pirates, makes for a storyline full of mishaps, misfortunes and misunderstandings.  

            The Pirates of Penzance opened on December 31, 1879 in New York City at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. In a failed effort to combat American copyright infringement—read piracy—it is the only Gilbert and Sullivan opera to have its premiere in the United States. Shortly thereafter, the opera made its London debut on April 3, 1880 at the Opera Comique, where it successfully ran for 363 performances. Along with The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance remains one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s greatest successes and most frequently performed operas.   

* All performances are in Staples Family Concert Hall. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors and $10 for all others and may be purchased at www.cmich.edu/ticketcentral or by calling 989-774-3045.

Contact:

Krista Voss

voss1ka@cmich.edu

(989) 560-1568