The Victoria Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents Pirates of Penzance, a humourous tale of swashbuckling buccaneers, fumbling British bobbies and frolicsome maidens this June.
“Pirates is a delightful representation of theatre of its time, and its silliness and send-up of the British class structure make it as entertaining now as it was at the turn of the last century” said stage director Heather Lee.
The only Gilbert and Sullivan operetta to have its world premiere in North America, and one of their most popular, The Pirates of Penzance was first performed in New York City 145 years ago. It is now performed frequently worldwide.
The operetta includes a complete cast of characters, a choir of 30 voices and piano accompaniment.
“Gilbert’s wit and Sullivan’s memorable score have ensured its enduring popularity,” said musical director Peter Butterfield. “The show is endowed with Victorian hit after hit – For I am a Pirate King, the policemen’s When the Foeman Bares his Steel and Mabel’s coloratura aria Poor Wand’ring One.”
Patter songs are a Gilbert and Sullivan trademark, and The Pirates of Penzance features the most famous of them all, I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.
Set in 1880, the plot centers on the dilemma of young Frederic who was mistakenly apprenticed to pirates until his 21st birthday. Since he was born on Feb. 29 on a leap year, he is honour-bound to remain a pirate until the distant date of 1940, despite his moral objection to piracy.
The Victoria Gilbert and Sullivan Society is a non-profit community theatre group dedicated to promoting the arts in Victoria, particularly the works of William S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan.
Soprano Hannah Nickel, with a Master’s in Voice from Western University, makes her society debut as Mabel in this production. Most recently, she performed in Pacific Opera’s Ainadamar.
Another newcomer, Joe Scheubel, will play Frederic.
The Pirates of Penzance runs June 21 at 7:30 p.m. and June 23 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Street, and June 29-30 at 2 p.m. at Parkland Secondary School theatre, 10640 McDonald Park Road, Sidney.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for students, available on Eventbrite.ca.
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