What is the theme of Pirates of Penzance?
Set in Cornwall in Victorian times, it tells the adventures of the love-struck Frederic, who is indentured to a group of comically useless and tender-hearted pirates. This operetta explores the timeless themes of courage, duty and honour, as well as being a social commentary of its times.
Who were Gilbert and Sullivan what was their contribution to culture?
Gilbert & Sullivan changed both the content and form of musical theatre. They showed that subjects like politics and social issues could be addressed in a witty way, without sacrificing entertainment values.
What is Pirates of Penzance based on?
The Pirates of Penzance is a 1983 British-American romantic musical comedy film written and directed by Wilford Leach based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1879 comic opera of the same name.
Is Pirates of Penzance appropriate for children?
Therefore we don’t recommend it for children under 5 years, and we do recommend parental guidance for children aged 5-8 years, who might need some of the humour and the plot explained to them. The main messages from this movie are to keep your promises and to follow your conscience always.
Is The Pirates of Penzance an opera or a musical?
comic opera
The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera in two acts, with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W.S. Gilbert. Beloved since its premiere in 1879 by audiences and critics alike, this delightful piece became an instant classic that is fun for all ages.
Why are Gilbert and Sullivan important?
Gilbert, left, wrote the words; Arthur Sullivan composed the music; Together, they created 14 comic operas. Much like Stewart and Colbert bring to light the ridiculousness of politics by engaging with them, Gilbert and Sullivan did the same thing with gender stereotypes.
What were Gilbert and Sullivan famous for?
Gilbert and Sullivan are perhaps best known for their comic operas: The Mikado, H.M.S Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe.
Why is Penzance famous?
Famous for its pirates, well the singing variety anyway, Penzance is a historic port on the south facing shores of Mount’s Bay and has one of the mildest climates in the UK.
Why is Cornwall known for pirates?
Cornwall has always been synonymous with smuggling, but little is known about its links to piracy. Think of pirates today and the glamorous Hollywood Jack Sparrow types or murderous Somali ones come to mind. But centuries ago pirates were a real concern to Cornwall, often kidnapping people to sell into slavery.
What is a pirate bumper?
In the opening number the pirates pass around a “pirate bumper” which is a cup filled to the brim.
Who did HMS Pinafore?
It was Gilbert & Sullivan’s first international success. One of librettist W.S Gilbert and composer Sir Arthur Sullivan’s most beloved comic operettas, HMS Pinafore opened in May 1878 at the Opera Comique, a London Theatre that has since been destroyed to make way for the Kingsway and Aldwych roads.
What is the difference between and opera and operetta?
To put it simply, an operetta falls somewhere between an opera and a musical. Like a musical, an operetta (most often) contains spoken dialogue, as well as song. Operettas are often satirical and witty, and tend to be much shorter and less complex than traditional operas.
What is the story of Gilbert and Sullivan Gondoliers?
The story of the opera concerns the young bride of the heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Barataria who arrives in Venice to join her husband. It turns out, however, that he cannot be identified, since he was entrusted to the care of a drunken gondolier who mixed up the prince with his own son.
When a musical is based around an idea rather than a story it is called a?
A concept musical is a work of musical theatre whose book and score are structured around conveying a theme or message, rather than emphasizing a narrative plot.
What is the meaning of Penzance?
Penzance. / (pɛnˈzæns) / noun. a town in SW England, in SW Cornwall: the westernmost town in England; resort and fishing port.
Why is Penzance called Penzance?
Pen Sans was the original name for the town of Penzance. The name comes from the old Cornish language wherein ‘Pen’ meant point of land, or headland, and ‘Sans’ meant sacred or holy place to do with a church or religious site.
Is Pirates of Penzance an operetta?
The Pirates of Penzance, in full The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty, operetta in two acts with music by Arthur Sullivan and an English libretto by W.S. Gilbert. To secure an American copyright—so as to avoid pirated American productions, the like of those that had followed English production of H.M.S.
Who wrote the libretto for Pirates of Penzance?
Written By: The Pirates of Penzance, in full The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty, operetta in two acts with music by Arthur Sullivan and an English libretto by W.S. Gilbert.
What is the setting of Pirates of Penzance?
Setting and plot summary The Pirates of Penzance is set during the reign of Queen Victoria. Act I of the operetta occurs on a rocky seashore on the coast of Cornwall, England. Act II is set in a ruined chapel by moonlight.
What are some famous songs about pirates of Penzance?
The most famous popular cultural reference to The Pirates of Penzance, however, may be Tom Lehrer’s “The Elements” song, written in 1959, and sung to the tune of “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General.” Along with the world of science, the many worlds of science fiction seem to have an affinity to Gilbert and Sullivan.