The Pirates of Penzance
Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. A fresh take on one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular comic operas, this updated version of The Pirates of Penzance took New York by storm when it premiered in Central Park in 1980, leading to a subsequent smash-hit Broadway run.
Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious, hopeful farce follows young Frederic, an orphan who has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates. He disavows the pirates' way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. Frederic's melodious tones win over the heart of Major-General Stanley's songbird daughter, Mabel, but when the Pirate King discovers that General Stanley has lied about being an orphan to keep the pirates from stealing all of his belongings and carrying off his bevy of beautiful daughters, an "ingenious paradox" may prevent the budding romance and lead to the death of "The very model of a modern Major-General."
The beauty, wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic score is suffused with a modern sensibility, making this version an excellent choice for opera and light opera companies looking to expand their audience base. The sheer number of memorable roles makes it perfect for community and school groups. And with production requirements consisting of only two sets and a medium-sized orchestra, The Pirates of Penzance should be considered by any company featuring comic actors with excellent singing voices.
Show Essentials
Songs
Pour, O Pour The Pirate Sherry
When Frederic Was A Little Lad
Oh, Better Far To Live And Die
Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Stop, Ladies, Pray!
Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast?
Poor Wandering One
What Ought We To Do?
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses
Hold Monsters
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
Oh, Men Of Dark And Dismal Fate
Oh, Dry The Glistening Tear
Then, Frederic, Let Your Escort Lion-Hearted
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Now For The Pirates' Lair!
When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold
My Eyes Are Fully Open
Away, Away! My Heart's On Fire!
All Is Prepared
Stay, Frederick, Stay!
Sorry Her Lot
No, I Am Brave!
When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
A Rollicking Band Of Pirates We
With Cat-Like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal
Hush, Hush! Not A Word
Sighing Softly To The River
Finale
Cost Estimator
Estimate the approximate cost of your licensing fees by providing a few details about your production.
Similar Shows
Explore
Media
Resources
No matter where you are on your theatrical journey, our innovative production resources will enhance your show experience!
Questions & Answers
Pirates of Penzance
Hi There,
I am enquiring as to the costs involved with Prates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan? I undertand they are public domain.
I am looking for the Joseph Papp version and wanted to know if there are eztra costs involved in those.
Thanks
Jeremy
How large is the cast?
Concert Selections for The Pirates of Penzance
MTI is pleased to provide the pre-approved rental materials of select songs for your symphonic concert performance. Please note, MTI is unable to grant the necessary Performance Rights with this material rental. The Performance Rights needed must be obtained separately through the individual song’s respective small rights agency such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Please email concerts@mtishows.com with any questions.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.
A show extraction is taken directly from the licensed show materials. No edits have been made to the song.