Park Square Hits The High Seas With THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

Park Square continues its 43rd season on the Proscenium Stage with a new adaptation of Gilbert & Sullivan's operatic romp The Pirates of Penzance. Inspired by a true story, director Doug Scholz-Carlson has reimagined the perennial favorite that puts the composer themselves smack in the middle of their own farce. The pair's lush score includes some of their most famous songs, including "I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" and "Poor Wand'ring One." The production stars local favorites Bradley Greenwald* as the Pirate King and Christina Baldwin* as the Major General.

"I love Gilbert and Sullivan for its pure joy and its pointed social commentary that rings strikingly true even today," said director Doug Scholz-Carlson. "This cast and creative team is one of the funniest collections of talented artists I've been privileged to work with. Audiences new to Gilbert and Sullivan will love the music and the wicked humor, and G&S fans will be surprised to learn the history of the only American premiere of one of the team's most successful creations."

Gilbert and Sullivan are on a steamer bound for the New York opening of their new hit - a roaring farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, and hopeful young lovers. Unfortunately, they've left the score in London! They scramble to recreate the show with only the clothes in their trunks and ship mates for a cast. All the music you love in this hilarious operetta at sea.

Because the United States had more limited copyright protections than Britain, W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan hoped to forestall piracy by premiering The Pirates of Penzance in New York, where it was an immediate hit. Along with H.M.S. Pinafore, the operetta is the duo's most cherished and popular work, a love story coupled with redemption, duty, and a healthy dose of zany humor. Their compositions revolutionized the way musical theatre has been made and received.

The Pirates of Penzance also features Charles Eaton, Zach Garcia, Liz Hawkinson, Alice McGlave, Elisa Pluhar, Vicki Price, and Max Wojtanowicz*.

The production's musical director is Denise Prosek, who is joined by Rebecca Bernstein (Costume Designer), Ursula Bowden (Set Designer), Jacob M. Davis (Sound Designer), Connor McEnvoy (Properties Designer), and Michael Kittel (Lighting Designer), and Brian Sostek (Choreographer). Nate Stanger* is the Stage Manager; Sam Diekman* is the Assistant Stage Manager.

The Pirates of Penzance Performance Schedule: Previews begin Friday, February 9, and continue through Thursday, February 15. February 16 is Opening Night, and the run continues through March 25. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. except for Saturday and Sunday matinees, which begin at 2 p.m. All performances are on the company's Proscenium Stage in Saint Paul's historic Hamm Building, 20 W. Seventh Place.

Ticket prices: Previews: $20/$27/$37. Regular Run: $25/$40/$60. Discounts are available for seniors, members of the military, those age 30 and under, groups, and ASL/AD patrons. Tickets are on sale at the Park Square ticket office, 20 W. Seventh Place, or by phone: 651.291.7005, (12 noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday), or online at parksquaretheatre.org/.

*Member, Actors Equity Association

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