The Pirates of Penzance

Operetta

Writers: W.S. Gilbert Arthur Sullivan

Context

Fresh off the smashing success of their operetta H.M.S. Pinafore, the unstoppable British duo comprised of composer Sir Arthur Sullivan and lyricist/librettist W.S. Gilbert decided to premiere a new project in New York City. Part of the reasoning for this was the staggering number of illegal productions being mounted in the United States of Pinafore in the days before copyright laws protected British authors in America. The pair decided that they would need more of a physical presence stateside. Drawing inspiration from one of Gilbert’s previously written stories, Our Island Home, their new

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The Pirates of Penzance guide sections