The Pirates of Penzance (1983)
by Claire J Rottenberg
Joseph Papp, in 1980, produced a wonderful production
of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of
Penzance"
for the Central Park Delacorte Theater. It was
such a success that shortly afterwards it was
moved to Broadway, where it played for 787
performances and it won the Tony award for Best
Revival. This excellent production was filmed in
1983 and is available on DVD and VHS.
Papp's production starred pop singers Linda Rondstadt
and Rex Smith as the young lovers, Mabel and
Frederic, Kevin Kline as the suave Pirate King and,
in the filmed version, Angela Lansbury as Ruth. The
production was choreographed by the gifted Graciella
Danielle.
The first performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The
Pirates of Penzance" was on December 31, 1879, and it
was an immediate hit. The opera has been a favorite
with audiences both in the US and abroad for many
years.
Papp's production is lively and filled with humor and
great music and dancing. The cast is excellent and
Rex Smith and Linda Rondstadt were perfectly cast as
the naive young lovers. Kevin Kline's portrayal of
the Pirate King was perfect and it earned him a Tony
award.
The Papp production is suitable for all ages,
although younger children might not grasp some of the
more subtle humor. However, the slapstick style of
the opera, particularly the antics and dancing of the
Keystone cops, is sure to amuse even the youngest
family members. For good family enjoyment, rent or
buy a copy of Joseph Papp's "The Pirates of
Penzance."