The Pirates of Penzance – TTBB
£4.95
This Gilbert & Sullivan opera’s official Premiere was at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City on 31 December 1879 (the only Gilbert and Sullivan opera to have its official Premiere in the United States). It starts fast with “Here’s a first rate opportunity to get married with impunity” into “Although our dark career sometimes involves the crime of stealing” then slows into “Hail Poetry”- so take care not to go too fast at first. A great one to act out is” When the foreman bares his steel” before slowing right down with the reflective love song “Ah must I leave thee here in endless night to dream”. The Sergeant’s song “When a felon’s not engaged in his employment” can be hilarious before finishing with the rousing “With cat-like tread”.