A SPARKLING, SPIRITED PIRATES
The Pirates of Penzance is a spirited lampoon of Victorian morality, skewering its pretensions and hypocrisies while also poking fun at the lackluster operas and ballets that dominated English stages from 1871 to 1896. The legendary duo of William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, celebrated as the quintessential librettist-composer partnership of the era, created a series of operettas that were comic and preposterous while retaining the structure of grand (read: “serious”) opera: melodic scores, intricate plots, plenty of great roles, and catchy arias. Among their works, The Pirates of Penzance stands as one of their most iconic achievements.
Now presented by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) in its 50th season, this timeless satire retains its sparkle and charm, making Pirates as delightful and captivating today at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College as it must have been when it premiered in New York City on December 31, 1879.
The story unfolds with a dreadful blunder by Ruth, a hapless nursemaid played with delightful comic precision by contralto Angela Christine Smith. Years earlier, Ruth misheard her instructions and apprenticed young Frederic to a band of eccentric pirates (instead of pilots) in Penzance, Cornwall. Compounding the absurdity, Frederic—born on February 29—is bound to this arrangement until his “21st birthday,” a milestone he reaches only in leap years.
Alex Corson and Claire Leyden
As Frederic, Alex Corson portrays a noble, earnest young man grappling with a tug-of-war between duty and personal freedom. Meanwhile, the pirates, led by the Pirate King, played with ideal flamboyantly arrogance by Matthew Wages, and his loyal Lieutenant Samuel, the commanding baritone Adam Hirama Wells, are less ruthless than one might expect. In true Gilbert & Sullivan fashion, their villainy, like the rest of the pirates, is hilariously undermined by their bumbling incompetence and irrepressible good-hearted nature.
The pirates are not alone on the rocky Cornish seashore, brought to life by scenic designer Albère. Adding to the vibrant mix are the four beautiful and lively daughters of the Major General: Mabel–bright, enthusiastic, with over-the-top emotions (vibrant and radiant Claire Leyden, whose soaring vocals and catching presence light up the stage); Isabel (the irrepressibly funny Laura Sudduth); Edith (Hannah Holmes), and Kate (Alexandra Imbrosci-Viera), all of whom add to the lively, festive atmosphere of the operetta.
The indomitable James Mills commands attention as Major General Stanley, embodying Victorian pomposity with a cartoonish flair and dazzling verbal agility. Another comedic gem is the truly gifted David Auxier as the Sergeant of Police, a pompous and ineffectual leader of a bumbling police force (another chance for Gilbert & Sullivan to satirize authority figures). Restaging the original choreography by Bill Fabris, Auxier provides a slapstick counterpoint to the pirates’ antics.
Under the jovial direction of NYGASP Founder and Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, and the baton of Joseph Rubin, this production revels in tradition with much enthusiasm and joy, capturing the essence of Gilbert & Sullivan’s original vision. Quinto Ott and Gail Wofford’s campy costumes and Benjamin Weill’s evocative lighting design further enhance the nostalgic charm.
Bringing boundless energy to this operatic romp is the dedicated 25-piece band (performing Sullivan’s original orchestrations) and the ensemble: Caitlin Borek, Matthew Carter, Michael J. Connolly, Hannah Eakin, Katie Hall, Sarah Hutchison, Sabrina Lopez, John Charles McLaughlin, Lance Olds, Patrick Lord-Remmert, Cameron Smith, Sophie Thompson, and David Wannen.
It is nearly incomprehensible to understand how incredibly daring this work was in 1879. While The Pirates of Penzance shows its age, its sharp wit and buoyant, joyful whimsy continue to delight. In 2025, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of lighthearted, family-friendly entertainment.
photos by Danny Bristoll
The Pirates of Penzance
New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP)
Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 524 West 59th St
2 hours and 40 minutes
remaining performances:
Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2 and 7:30
Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 3
for tickets (starting at $30), call 212.772.4448 or visit NYGASP
