Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates Of Penzance
Sun, Aug 18
|McCabe Theater
Set in Cornwall in 1879, The Pirates of Penzance follows the adventures of the love-struck Frederic, who is indentured to a group of comically useless and tender-hearted pirates. This operetta explores the timeless themes of courage, duty and honor, all while being a social commentary of its times.
Time & Location
Aug 18, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
McCabe Theater, 200 E Mission St, St Marys, KS 66536, USA
About the event
Box office opens an hour before the performance; theater doors open 45 minutes before the performance.
Play Synopsis
ACT I: Off the coast of Cornwall, The pirates are excited to celebrate the 21st birthday of their apprentice. However, Frederic announces his intentions to leave the band and pursue a more reputable profession. Taking pity on their comrade, the pirates pardon Frederic and take their leave. His old nursemaid Ruth, however, follows Frederic, professing her love. Her ruse is thwarted by the arrival of Major-General Stanley's wards.
Struck by their beauty, Frederic professes his love and eagerness for marriage, but the girls vehemently proclaim their disinterest... except Mabel. This young lass takes pity on the repentant pirate and romance blossoms. Meanwhile, the pirates return and, seeing the maidens, attempt to marry off the rest of the troupe. Their effort is interrupted by the arrival of Major-General Stanley, who uses his guile to trick the pirates into letting everyone go.
ACT II: In a dim cemetery, General Stanley is racked with guilt. Meanwhile, Frederic has organized a local police force to bring the pirates to justice. Before he can set out, Ruth and the Pirate King arrive to inform him that his apprenticeship is, in fact, not complete as he is a leapling. Compelled by his sense of duty, Frederic rejoins the pirate band and reveals General Stanley’s deception. Vowing revenge, the pirates set out to attack Tremorden Castle. A melee ensues as the girls attempt to save General Stanley and the policemen join the fray, calling upon the name of Queen Victoria. Ruth arrives to disclose that the pirates are not actually pirates at all, and General Stanley willingly presents his daughters to be married, bringing the opera to a happy close for all.