Directed by Dominic Missimi, the cast features Kevin Earley (A Tale of Two Cities, Thoroughly Modern Millie) as the Pirate King, Omar Lopez-Cepero (American Idiot) as Frederic, Patricia Noonan (Death Takes a Holiday) as Mabel, Ross Lehman as the Modern Major General and Alene Robertson as Ruth.
The Pirates of Penzance, according to the Marriott, "follows the story of young Frederic who, as a child, is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates. Upon completion of his apprenticeship to the pirates on his 21st birthday, Frederic is released from his servitude. Soon after, he meets the fair maiden Mabel, daughter of Major-General Stanley. The two fall instantly in love; but, as always, obstacles threaten to cause trouble for young Frederic. It turns out Frederic was born during the leap year, which means even though he is 21-years-old, he has only had five birthdays, and is in fact indebted to the pirates for 63 more years."
The cast also includes Roger Anderson, Brian Bohr, Kelly Anne Clark, Carl Draper, Natalie Ford, Patrick Gagnon, Andrew Lupp, Jeff Max, Christine Mild, Susan Moniz, Alexandra E. Palkovic, Christine Perkins, Liam Quealy, Sam Rogers, Brandon Springman, William Travis Taylor and Bernie Yvon.
The Pirates of Penzance is the fifth collaboration of the Gilbert and Sullivan duo. The comedic opera officially premiered in New York City in December 1879. It was the only Gilbert and Sullivan operetta to have its world premiere in the United States.
Other members of the creative team include artistic director Andy Hite, choreographer Matt Raftery, music director Ryan T. Nelson, conductor Patti Garwood, set designer Tom Ryan, costume designer Nancy Missimi, lighting designer Diane Williams, sound designer Bob Gilmartin, props designer Sally Weiss and puppets and specialty props designer Meredith Miller. The Marriott Theatre is located at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, IL. For more information and tickets, call (847) 634-0200 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com or www.MarriottTheatre.com.
