Ross valley players presents the pirates of penzance

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ROSS VALLEY PLAYERS PRESENTS

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

By W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

Directed by James Dunn
ROSS, CA (July, 2015) – For its fifth and final production of the 2014-15 season, ROSS VALLEY PLAYERS presents the comedic opera, The Pirates of Penzance by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. One of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operas, The Pirates of Penzance is a hilarious story of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, foolish young lovers, naive daughters and an eccentric Major-General, all morally bound to the often ridiculous orders of honor and duty. Directed by renowned Marin County director, teacher and actor, James Dunn, The Pirates of Penzance first premiered in New York City in 1879, where it was widely received by both audiences and critics. The 1981 Broadway revival won a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. The opera was turned into a musical film in 1983 and stared Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, and Linda Ronstadt, and was most recently produced in London and directed by playwright, film and stage director Mike Leigh. The Pirates of Penzance begins with a preview on Thursday, July 16^th and runs through Sunday, August 16^th. Opening night is Friday, July 17^th at 8PM. www.rossvalleyplayers.com
The Pirates of Penzance tells the story of Frederic (Cordell Wesselink), who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship with a band of tender-hearted pirates. He meets Mabel (Joni DeGabriele), the daughter of Major-General Stanley (Norman A. Hall), and the two young adults fall instantly in love. Frederic finds out, however, that due to a “most ingenious paradox,” he must unexpectedly serve for another 63 years with the pirates. Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic’s only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. This sets the stage for fun, mishaps, and a secret that will change Frederic’s fate forever.

The Pirates of Penzance full cast includes:
Phillip Percy Williams (The Pirate King), Greg Wolff (Samuel, His Lieutenant), Cordell Wesselink (Frederic, The Pirate Apprentice), Christina Jaqua (Ruth, A Pirate Maid of All Work), Norman A. Hall (Major General Stanley), Bobby Singer (Sergeant of Police), Joni DeGabriele (Mabel), Katie Sorensen (Kate), and Dana Cherry (Isabel).

Chorus of Pirates:

Bob Galagaran, John T. Griffin, Izaak Heath, Jeremy Ivory-Chambers, and Ben Vasquez.

Javier Alarcon, Charles Bookoff, Stephen Dietz, Michael Walraven, and Bob Wilson.

Chloe Hunwick, Arden Kilzer, and Kathryn McGeorge.

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  Saturday, July 18: Buzz at the Barn, a pre-show cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and Bellinis, will take place at 7PM.
  
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  Saturday, July 25: Ross Valley Pride Night Out for LGBTQ community members. Bold attire is encouraged, after party with $3 Bay Breeze cocktails.
  
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  Sunday, July 26 and August 9: Audience members are invited to participate in “Talkback” with the director and actors after the matinee performances.
  
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  Saturday, August 1: Corsets & Cravats. Audience members are encouraged to dress in Victorian era outfits. $5 Pimm’s Cup cocktails will be served.
  
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  August 6-9: Dress Like a Pirate Weekend! Kids 17 & under free if in costume.
  

Now in its 85^th year, Ross Valley Players, a non-profit arts organization, is the oldest continually operating community theater on the West Coast. Created in 1930 as a way to escape the hardships of the Depression, Ross Valley Players has introduced live theater to thousands of Marin residents over the years. Each year, RVP presents a regular season of six full productions, running a total of 30 weeks. RVP offers special events and short-term productions outside the regular season. Plays include recent Broadway material, popular plays, classic theater, and a selection of works by well-known playwrights from around the world. RVP features all genres: comedy, drama, mysteries, and musicals. Their Ross Alternative Works (RAW) program presents short run, minimal set productions of original scripts by Bay Area playwrights in two festivals each season.