‘Pirates of Penzance’ opens Friday at Playhouse

“The Pirates of Penzance,” known for having one of the fastest songs in musical history, “Modern Major General,” will begin a three-weekend run at the Playhouse Merced mainstage at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Playhouse Merced.

A comic opera by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, "The Pirates of Penzance" has graced the stage for more than 130 years and features a young pirate, Frederic, released from his apprenticeship on his 21st birthday, who falls in love with the beautiful Major-General’s daughter, Mabel. All is well until Frederic realizes he was born on Feb. 29 – a leap year – which requires him to serve his pirate family for another 63 years. A love-stricken Mabel agrees to wait for his hand, according to a Playhouse Merced press release.

"The Pirates of Penzance" is directed by Noelle Chandler, musically directed by Dennis Brown and stars Jeshamon Volkerts as Stanley, Ronald Daily as the King, Jacob Williams as Frederic, Brad Reed as the Major-General, Jasmine Swalef as Mabel and Tracy Jones as Ruth. It also features Rachel Rodrigues, Jesse Stofle, Stephanie Rogers and a cast of many other talented actors.

"The Pirates of Penzance" plays through Feb. 1. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets by going online to www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced, calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 W. Main St. in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. The show is rated “E” for everyone.

"The Pirates of Penzance" celebrates Playhouse Merced’s 21th season in its downtown theater location. Playhouse Merced is a community-based, nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization seeking to entertain, educate and enlighten audiences. For more information: www.playhousemerced.com.

This story was originally published January 15, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "‘Pirates of Penzance’ opens Friday at Playhouse."