NYC Theater Trip 2025: "Pirates! The Penzance Musical" by Roundabout Theatre Company at the Todd Haimes Theatre

Show*: 4

Title: Pirates! The Penzance Musical

Location: Todd Haimes Theatre

Written By: Gilbert and Sullivan, adapted by Rupert Holmes

Summary: A reimagining of the classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta set in New Orleans, with a jazzed up score.

"Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center

In their first fall production, Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company, the only local company dedicated to the silly, witty, and delightful creations of late 19th Century British librettist and composer W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, respectively, bring us my personal favorite, The Pirates of Penzance! GSVLOC have typically just been doing one show a year, in the spring, but as their dedicated audience would agree, once is just not enough. Directed by Gary Briggle (who played the Major General in the Ordway's 2015 production), the huge cast and off-stage orchestra bring out all of the delicious silliness and gorgeous musicality of the piece. If you're looking for a traditional production of this G&S masterpiece (with an interesting note in the program about the history of the piece - the first to premiere in the U.S.), this is it. See it at the Howard Conn Fine Arts Center in Plymouth Congregational Church in South Minneapolis through November 20.

"Pirates of Penzance" at Park Square Theatre

Park Square Theatre's new production of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance, re-imagined by director Doug Scholz-Carlson, music director Denise Prosek, and this dreamy nine-person cast, is indeed a divine emollient. But it's not just pure escapist silliness. G&S, in addition to writing hilariously clever and gorgeously melodic pieces, also included more than a little social and political commentary in their work. Amidst all the humor and fun lies some insightful questioning of the society and politics of Victorian England. So it is entirely appropriate, then, that this 2018 production has been updated to include some current social and political commentary, and some of the dated concepts of the piece have been modernized. The result is a supremely entertaining musical that's refreshingly modern, while still respectful of the source, and even providing some historical context around the 1879 NYC premiere. I've been in love with The Pirates of Penzance since first seeing it at the Guthrie 14 years ago, then discovering the glorious Kevin Kline-ness of the early '80s Broadway production and movie. I've now found whole new ways to love it.

"The Pirates of Penzance" at the Ordway

I interrupt this all-Fringe-all-the-time coverage to bring you some theater news that exists outside of the Fringe Festival. Yes it's true, there is non-fringey theater going on in early August, who knew? Last night the Ordway opened their boisterous and gorgeously sung and played production of my favorite Gilbert and Sullivan comedy operetta - The Pirates of Penzance. It's an absolutely delightful evening of music-theater, and don't worry, while Fringe ends this weekend these Pirates continue swashbuckling and singing through August 16. If you're a fan of comedy, fast singing, beautiful music performed by a huge and talented (and mostly local) cast and orchestra, swashbuckling pirates, and math, you don't want to miss this one! And since I've got  a 15-show weekend starting in a few hours, I'm going to get right down to it and tell you all the wonderful things about the show.

1. Pirates is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular shows, last seen locally (to my knowledge) at the Guthrie in 2004, which lives in my memory as my favorite Guthrie show ever. The story of a young man accidentally apprenticed to a band of pirates who now wants to leave and fight them is really just an excuse for a bunch of shenanigans, clever rhyming lyrics, and gorgeous music.
2. The 19-piece orchestra conducted by Steve Tyler may be the best I've heard at the Ordway, or else I'm just still basking in the glow of their gorgeous sound. They're in a traditional pit at the front of the stage, but two walkways span the pit and connect to a walkway in the front of the stage, which cleverly allows for the traditional pit sound but without the distance between the cast and the audience. Which brings me to...
3. James Rocco directs the show with much energy and continued movement, and makes great use of the aforementioned stage set-up, with the cast so frequently and fluidly passing around the pit that I feared someone would fall in! James also choreographed the show, and it's so clever and spirited and fun, including much swashbuckling that involves everyone from the conductor to the ladies (fight choreography by Aaron Preusse).
4. It's hard to say who the hero of Pirates is, but I've always been partial to the Pirate King (see also the brilliant Kevin Kline). Broadway actor Brandon O'Neill perfectly embodies the dastardly charm of the leader of this merry band of pirates, with great comedic and vocal chops.

   

   the Pirate King (Brandon O'Neill) getting a lift from the boys
   (photo by Molly Shields)

5. As the young lovers at the center of the story, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka and Anne Eisendrath both sing beautifully and share a sweet chemistry. Hunter's glorious rendition of "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast?" made me swoon (as always), and Anne impeccably accomplishes Mabel's vocal tricks.
6. There are plenty of local faves in the cast too, including Gary Briggle, a delight as the fast-singing pompous Major-General; Kersten Rodau, a perfect choice for dear Ruth; Dieter Bierbrauer, very funny as the cowardly Sergeant; and a bevy of lovely ladies, highlighted by the sprightly Caroline Innerbichler. The entire ensemble is magnificent.

   

   a lesson from the Major-General (Gary Briggle)
   (photo by Molly Shields)

7. As much as I rave about the orchestra, there are a couple of a capella moments in which the voices of the cast just soar and give you chills.
8. Tom Struge's scenic design is playful, colorful, and almost cartoonish. The audience cheered as the pirate ship emerged teeming with pirates. Lynda L. Salsbury's costume design is just as colorful and playful, from the ladies' pastel flowy dresses and nightgowns, to the crisp police uniforms, to the pirates, who look just as you imagine pirates do.
9. Did I mention math? Any show that sings about the hypotenuse is a winner in my math-loving heart! (I was a math nerd before I was a theater nerd.)

This is the Ordway's second original production this summer, after Damn Yankees, and I couldn't be happier about this trend. Next season includes local productions of The Sound of Music and A Chorus Line. It's fantastic to see our fabulous local talent up on the big stage, and The Pirates of Penzance is a great example of the gorgeousness that can be accomplished with this model of combining local talent with national talent and the highest production values. Long story short - go see it! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Fringe!