Mark Jacoby is the Major-General in NYCO 'Penzance'

Mark Jacoby has been cast as the Major-General in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, which will return to the New York City's repertoire, beginning Saturday, March 3.  The production, opening on March 7, will also star the previously announced Marc Kudisch as the Pirate King. 

Jacoby and Kudisch (See What I Wanna See, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) will be joined by Sarah Jane McMahon as Mabel, Myrna Paris as Ruth, Matt Morgan as Frederic and Kevin Burdette (last seen opposite Michael Ball in City Opera's Patience) as the Sergeant of Police.  This cast will sing all 16 performances.

Conducted by Gerald Steichen, Lillian Groag directs this new production of Pirates, co-produced with Glimmerglass Opera, which features sets by John Conklin, costumes by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Pat Collins and choreography by Lynne Hockney.  The Pirates of Penzance was last presented by City Opera in 1977.  This production of Pirates has leadership support provided by The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation. 

Mark Jacoby performed the role of Judge Turpin in the recent revival of Sweeney Todd.  Other Broadway credits include: Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity (Theatre World Award), Baron von Gaigern in Grand Hotel, for three years the title character in The Phantom of the Opera (a role created in the national tour), Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat (Tony and Outer Critics Award nominations), the original Father in Ragtime, and Padre Perez in the revival of Man of La Mancha.

New York City Opera performances take place at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center (63rd St & Columbus).  This limited engagement will run for sixteen performances only.   Ticket prices range from $16 to $125.  Additional details of New York City Opera's 2006-2007 season, including a synopsis of each opera and a trailer, are available on City Opera's website at www.nycopera.com.  For more information, call City Opera's box office at (212) 721-6500.