Musicals Blog

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."