The Pirates of Penzance, a Great Intro To Light Opera
By David James
The Pirates of Penzance is a comedy opera by Gilbert and Sullivan and the most frequently played of all their plays . In December 1879, the official premiere was shown in the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York. It was an immediate hit. In London on 3rd April 1880, the first British production was held at the Opera Comique. Amongst numerous modernised productions of the play since then was Joseph Papps 1981 production on Broadway in 1981 which was a huge success.
The cast is made up of gorgeous maidens, kind hearted pirates and useless policemen. The unbelievable plot involves a succession of silly 'mistakes' which turn lives completely upside down.
Frederic is the fundamental character in the plot. He is a lovely lad who is a reluctant apprentice pirate because of a slightly deaf nursemaid Ruth. Frederic stands on the edge of the shore with the pirates, drinking sherry to celebrate his 21st Birthday when he announces that he is leaving them. Ruth, the ships maid, explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid, she made a huge error. She misheard Frederic's Father when he instructed her to arrange an apprenticeship with a ships pilot due to her poor hearing and accidentally apprenticed him to a pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his crew to leave with him and engage a more upright existence but the pirate king is not swayed. Frederic makes some suggestions to the pirates to help them avoid regularly getting thrashed 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 former orphans themselves, the pirates will invariably release them.
Frederic and Ruth leave and Ruth, who is determined to marry him, convinces Frederic that she is exceptionally beautiful. Frederic has no other woman to compare her to and believes she is being honest. Ruth's deception is short lived because a group of beautiful young maidens suddenly appear. Frederic realises that Ruth is 'plain and old' and Ruth leaves in utter despair. Frederic approaches the pretty maidens to warn them that there are pirates nearby. He and one of the maidens called Mabel, fall instantly in love.
Ruth returns with the pirate king and they tell Frederic that it is not possible for him to leave. As Frederic was born on the 29th February, he has only had an actual birthday each leap year and his apprenticeship clearly states that he may only leave when he has reached his 21st birthday. This means that in order to reach his 21st birthday, he has to return to the pirates for another whopping sixty three years! This is devastating news for Frederic. However he has a very keen sense of duty and feels he has no choice but to return. Mabel who is smitten, promises that she will wait for him!
This classic is a fantastic entry to opera and has successfully stood the test of time. Its huge popularity has lasted for more than one hundred and thirty years.
The cast is made up of gorgeous maidens, kind hearted pirates and useless policemen. The unbelievable plot involves a succession of silly 'mistakes' which turn lives completely upside down.
Frederic is the fundamental character in the plot. He is a lovely lad who is a reluctant apprentice pirate because of a slightly deaf nursemaid Ruth. Frederic stands on the edge of the shore with the pirates, drinking sherry to celebrate his 21st Birthday when he announces that he is leaving them. Ruth, the ships maid, explains that as Frederic's former nursemaid, she made a huge error. She misheard Frederic's Father when he instructed her to arrange an apprenticeship with a ships pilot due to her poor hearing and accidentally apprenticed him to a pirate.
Frederic attempts to persuade the pirate king and his crew to leave with him and engage a more upright existence but the pirate king is not swayed. Frederic makes some suggestions to the pirates to help them avoid regularly getting thrashed 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 former orphans themselves, the pirates will invariably release them.
Frederic and Ruth leave and Ruth, who is determined to marry him, convinces Frederic that she is exceptionally beautiful. Frederic has no other woman to compare her to and believes she is being honest. Ruth's deception is short lived because a group of beautiful young maidens suddenly appear. Frederic realises that Ruth is 'plain and old' and Ruth leaves in utter despair. Frederic approaches the pretty maidens to warn them that there are pirates nearby. He and one of the maidens called Mabel, fall instantly in love.
Ruth returns with the pirate king and they tell Frederic that it is not possible for him to leave. As Frederic was born on the 29th February, he has only had an actual birthday each leap year and his apprenticeship clearly states that he may only leave when he has reached his 21st birthday. This means that in order to reach his 21st birthday, he has to return to the pirates for another whopping sixty three years! This is devastating news for Frederic. However he has a very keen sense of duty and feels he has no choice but to return. Mabel who is smitten, promises that she will wait for him!
This classic is a fantastic entry to opera and has successfully stood the test of time. Its huge popularity has lasted for more than one hundred and thirty years.
About the Author:
Venton Vean is a newly restored Penzance Bed and Breakfast 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. Bed and Breakfast Penzance.
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