H.M.S Pinafore

Operetta

Writers: W.S. Gilbert Arthur Sullivan

Overview

Show Information

Category
Operetta
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1878
Genres
Comedy, Farce
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
mid-1800s
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Musical Staging
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, young adult, mature adult, late teen characters

Synopsis

Since its premiere in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s wildly popular operetta H.M.S. Pinafore has delighted audiences with a nautically-tinged story of star-crossed lovers. The gentlemanly Captain Corcoran of the good ship Pinafore has a daughter, Josephine, who is in love with a lowly but gallant sailor named Ralph Rackstraw. The Captain forbids the marriage, wanting to match Josephine instead with the well-bred Sir Joseph, First Lord of the Admiralty. In the meantime, the Captain finds himself in nearly the same position as his daughter: his former nanny, Little Buttercup, falls in love with him, but he hesitates to reciprocate due to his higher social rank. The whole situation is turned on its head when Little Buttercup reveals a game-changing secret she has kept for decades. A rollicking farce with endearing characters, memorable tunes, and a hilariously happy ending, H.MS Pinafore is a classic, time-tested delight not to be missed.

Lead Characters


H.M.S Pinafore guide sections