Press Releases

Algonquin Arts Theatre Hosts The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players on March 1

EVENT INFORMATION
What:
"The Pirates of Penzance"

Dates & Times:
Sunday, March 1, 2015 � 8 p.m.

Location:
Algonquin Arts Theatre, 173 Main Street, Manasquan, N.J.

Tickets:
Premium: Sold Out
Regular: $48 adults, $45 seniors, $30 students
Box Office Hours: M-F 12-6 p.m. and Saturday 12-4 p.m.
Call 732-528-9211 or reserve online at algonquinarts.org
All tickets subject to $2 per ticket fee.

IMAGE: http://www.algonquinarts.org/cc/Pirates_CMYK.jpg
Albert Bergeret, front, directs and conducts the company of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players in "Pirates of Penzance" on Sunday, March 1 at Algonquin Arts Theatre
Courtesy of NYGASP

MANASQUAN, N.J. (February 20, 2015) � Manasquan is the next port of call for The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) acclaimed production of "The Pirates of Penzance," which docks for a single performance on Sunday, March 1 at 3 p.m.

Join the band of swashbuckling buccaneers, bumbling British bobbies, frolicsome Victorian maidens, and the delightfully dotty "model of a modern Major-General" for a rollicking romp over the rocky coast of Cornwall.

"To describe 'Pirates' as a romp is surely no exaggeration," said director and conductor Albert Bergeret. "It's representation of naivetè, romance, and sentiment - all mixed with wit and sophisticated verbal by play - leaves the audience and performers alike with a giddy sense of joy that is timeless."

This exuberant musical theater masterpiece with choreography by Bill Fabris is performed in its original format. The rich sounds of full orchestra, chorus, and legitimate vocal soloists resonate with classic elegance and power while the company's vibrancy, energy and contemporary sense of humor keep the show alive and exciting to a modern audience.

Premium seating for the performance is sold out, but regular price tickets remain available online at algonquinarts.org and from the Algonquin Arts Theatre Box Office by calling 732-528-9211. Tickets are $50 for adults, $47 for seniors and $32 for students (prices include a $2 per ticket fee).

"The Pirates of Penzance," or The Slave of Duty was first performed at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City on December 31, 1879. It was the only Gilbert & Sullivan operetta to have its world premiere in the United States and it has remained popular both here and throughout the English speaking world ever since. Gilbert's wit (always incisive but never vicious or dated) and Sullivan's memorable score (including the original tune from which "Hail, hail the gang's all here" is drawn) are among the most valuable treasures of musical theater history.

Patter songs are a Gilbert & Sullivan trademark and "Pirates" features the most famous of them all, "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General". This jaunty tune has been cleverly set to different words countless times (Tom Lehrer's element song a notable example) and used in commercials to sell everything from Campbells soup to Handi-wipes, cars, newspapers and other items.

"Pirates" also contains some of Gilbert's most famous lyrics such as the often used quotation "a policeman's lot is not a happy one" from the act two lament of the diffident "men in blue". Other highlights of the show include "For I am a Pirate King", the pirates' "Here's a first rate opportunity", the policemen's "When the foeman bears his steel" and Mabel's show stopping coloratura aria "Poor wand'ring one".

The plot of "Pirates" centers on the dilemma of young Frederic who, as a child, was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his twenty first birthday. Since he was born in leap year on February 29, he is honor bound to remain a pirate until the distant date of 1940, despite his moral objection to piracy. Helping Frederic to deal with this unusual predicament are the brash Pirate King, Ruth - the pirate maid-of-all-work, romantic Mabel, and the delightfully stuffy Major-General Stanley.

This production marks NYGASP's biennial visit to Algonquin Arts Theatre. Prior productions from the Gilbert & Sullivan cannon have included "H.M.S. Pinafore" (2011) and "The Mikado" (2013).

About Algonquin Arts Theatre
Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 with the mission to provide cultural enhancement and arts education to all audiences at the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, film and dance. The end goal is to foster appreciation of the arts and promote lifelong learning, particularly among underserved audiences including the economically disadvantaged, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; by funds from the Paul F. Zito, M.D. Educational Foundation, by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, by Simon Kaufman, Esq. & Maria Zito-Kaufman, and by Manasquan Savings Bank.

About The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
Now in its fourth decade of operation, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) is America's preeminent professional Gilbert & Sullivan repertory ensemble. Under the dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, who has been hailed as "the leading custodian of the G&S classics" by New York magazine, NYGASP has created its own special niche in the cultural mosaic of New York City and the nation. Since its founding in 1974, the company has presented more than 2,000 performances of the G&S masterpieces throughout the eastern United States and Canada, captivating audiences of all ages.