NY Gilbert & Sullivan Announces Casting for THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE at NYU Skirball Center

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) announces casting for its perennial favorite The Pirates of Penzance at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place) Dec. 26 - Jan. 2. There's something for everyone in this engaging production with the clever lyrics of the frequently parodied patter song "I am the very model of a modern Major-General." The rich sounds of a classical orchestra and a robust chorus fill the elegant and intimate confines of this gem of a theater while the dynamic cast of Gilbert & Sullivan experts from NYGASP entertains with beautiful singing and robust dancing.

Dashing David Wannen returns as the Pirate King opposite two very models of Gilbert & Sullivan comedians, both James Mills and Stephen Quint in the double cast role of pattering Major-General Stanley. Also double cast are tenors Daniel Greenwood and Carter Lynch as the eager, but naïve, pirate apprentice Frederic. Trilling soprano Sarah Caldwell Smith (Mabel) enchants them both (at different performances, of course) while slap stick comic par excellence David Auxier leads the bumbling bobbies of Act 2 as their timid Sergeant of Police. Holding it all together is veteran alto Angela Christine Smith as Frederic's scorned nursery maid Ruth, who puts the story into motion at the start and winds it all up in typically Gilbertian topsy turvy fashion at the end. Supporting roles of pirate side kick Samuel (David Macaluso), sweetly singing sisters Edith and Kate (mezzos Erika Person and Amy Maude Helfer, respectively), and ditsy dancing sister Isabel (Laura Sudduth) add to the frivolity with choruses of tender hearted pirates and naughty damsels in distress. Original choreography by Bill Fabris (adapted by clever co-director and company choreographer David Auxier,) brings this time honored production up to date. Seaside and romantic chapel settings by Lou Anne Gilleland, appropriately moody lighting by Benjamin Weill, and fanciful costumes by Gail J. Wofford. Acclaimed Artistic Director Albert Bergeret directs and conducts the large cast and orchestra as he has for over 40 years.

Set sail with The Pirates of Penzance! On the coast of Cornwall, a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Now, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy - until a ludicrous leap year snag threatens to keep him apprenticed to the pirates for life! Throw in a bevy of beauties, a brash Pirate King, the delightfully stuffy Major-General Stanley and you've got what The New York Times calls "an endearing production with high musical standards and spirited performances".

The season continues in 2016 with Princess Ida (May 21 & 22).

Each season the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players offers several special family friendly events that everyone can enjoy! This season, the run of The Pirates of Penzance is filled with extra fun!

- Family Overture Series (prior to the Sun., Dec. 27 and Wed., Dec. 30 matinees) Families are invited to a free musical introduction and plot summary made entertaining and informative for the entire family.

- Savoy Dialogue (following the Sat., Dec. 26 evening performance)
Enjoy a dazzling discourse about all matters G&S with members of the NYGASP cast and artistic staff after the show.

- ring Your Grandparents Day (December 30)
Respect your favorite elders with a pre-show Family Overture (1:45pm in the theater) and a backstage tour featuring the character of your choice following the performance!

- New Year's Eve Gala (December 31)
Gilbert & Sullivan's most beloved score and a little bubbly at intermission is just the beginning. An exclusive invitation to the cast party afterwards completes the elegant affair.

Performance times for The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players' 2015-16 Season at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place) are as follows: The Pirates of Penzance: Saturday, December 26 (2PM); Saturday, December 26 (7:30PM); Sunday, December 27 (3PM; Family Overture @ 1:45PM); Wednesday, December 30 (3PM; Family Overture @ 1:45PM) --- Bring your Grandparents Day!; Thursday, December 31 (7:30PM) --- New Year's Eve Gala!; Saturday, January 2, 2016 (2PM). Discount subscriptions are available by calling (212) 769-1000. To order regular tickets by phone call NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts Box office at 888-611-8183 or visit www.nygasp.org.

The NYGASP 2015-16 season is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

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