The Pirates of Penzance is a comedy opera by Gilbert and Sullivan and the most frequently played of all their plays . The official premiere was on the 31st December 1879 in Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York and it was hugely successful with both the general public and critics. The first London production was presented at the Opera Comique in April 1880. Amongst many modernised productions of the play since then was Joseph Papps 1981 production on Broadway in 1981.
The cast includes a kind hearted mob of pirates, some gorgeous maidens, a team of hopeless but lovely cops and a major general with a silver tongue. Throughout the plot, a number of peculiar mistakes happen and lives are turned upside down.
The main character of the plot is a young man called Frederic, who due to a hard of hearing nursemaidcalled Ruth, is a reluctant apprentice pirate. During his 21st Birthday, Frederic is standing, drinking sherry with the Pirates, when he announces his plans to leave. Ruth, the ships maid, tells everyone that as Frederic's former nursemaid when he was a small boy, she made a huge error. She misheard Frederic's Father when he told her to apprentice him to a ships pilot due to her poor hearing and subsequently apprenticed him to a pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his crew to leave with him and follow a more honourable existence but the pirate king is not swayed. Frederic makes some suggestions to the pirates to help them avoid regularly getting outwitted and achieve a little more success in their ventures. He points out that everyone they capture claims to be an orphan because it is well known that as orphans themselves, the pirates will release them as they have a soft spot for them.
Frederic leaves with Ruth and Ruth, who is determined to wed him, manages to convince Frederic that she is very beautiful. Having no other woman to compare her with, Frederic totally believes her. Ruth's deception is short lived because a group of beautiful young maidens suddenly appear. He turns to Ruth saying "You told me you were fair as gold and now I see you're plain and old." In total despair, Ruth departs. Frederic attempts to advise the young maidens that there are pirates close by and in no time, Frederic and Mabel, a daughter of the Major General Stanley, promptly.
The pirate king returns shortly with Ruth to inform Frederic that he cannot in fact leave his apprenticeship. As Frederic was born on the 29th February, he has only had an actual birthday every leap year and the apprenticeship states that he can only leave when he has reached his 21st birthday. So he must stay with the pirates for 63 more years ! Mabel promises she will wait for Frederic. His strong sense of duty makes him feel he has no choice but to return.
This classic is a great intro to opera and has successfully stood the test of time. It has been a hit with people for more than one hundred and thirty years.
The cast includes a kind hearted mob of pirates, some gorgeous maidens, a team of hopeless but lovely cops and a major general with a silver tongue. Throughout the plot, a number of peculiar mistakes happen and lives are turned upside down.
The main character of the plot is a young man called Frederic, who due to a hard of hearing nursemaidcalled Ruth, is a reluctant apprentice pirate. During his 21st Birthday, Frederic is standing, drinking sherry with the Pirates, when he announces his plans to leave. Ruth, the ships maid, tells everyone that as Frederic's former nursemaid when he was a small boy, she made a huge error. She misheard Frederic's Father when he told her to apprentice him to a ships pilot due to her poor hearing and subsequently apprenticed him to a pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his crew to leave with him and follow a more honourable existence but the pirate king is not swayed. Frederic makes some suggestions to the pirates to help them avoid regularly getting outwitted and achieve a little more success in their ventures. He points out that everyone they capture claims to be an orphan because it is well known that as orphans themselves, the pirates will release them as they have a soft spot for them.
Frederic leaves with Ruth and Ruth, who is determined to wed him, manages to convince Frederic that she is very beautiful. Having no other woman to compare her with, Frederic totally believes her. Ruth's deception is short lived because a group of beautiful young maidens suddenly appear. He turns to Ruth saying "You told me you were fair as gold and now I see you're plain and old." In total despair, Ruth departs. Frederic attempts to advise the young maidens that there are pirates close by and in no time, Frederic and Mabel, a daughter of the Major General Stanley, promptly.
The pirate king returns shortly with Ruth to inform Frederic that he cannot in fact leave his apprenticeship. As Frederic was born on the 29th February, he has only had an actual birthday every leap year and the apprenticeship states that he can only leave when he has reached his 21st birthday. So he must stay with the pirates for 63 more years ! Mabel promises she will wait for Frederic. His strong sense of duty makes him feel he has no choice but to return.
This classic is a great intro to opera and has successfully stood the test of time. It has been a hit with people for more than one hundred and thirty years.
About the Author:
Venton Vean is a newly restored Bed and Breakfast Penzance situated in the Penzance Conservation Area, overlooking Penlee Park and located just minutes' walk from the seafront and town centre. With eclectically furnished bedrooms combining period features with modern art and design, together with a passion for good food, we aim to offer you a unique, comfortable and relaxing stay. Penzance Bed and Breakfast.
No comments:
Post a Comment