Lillian Blair to Perform in 'The Pirates of Penzance'

BEDFORD, MA - Bedford resident Lillian Blair has been cast as a pirate in Assumption College's Department of Art, Music and Theatre production of the Tony Award-winning musical "The Pirates of Penzance." Blair is a member of the Class of 2017.

The college's eighth annual spring production will be held at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts April 22-24. The play will feature Assumption students, alumni, and friends of the college, including Blair.

"The Pirates of Penzance" is W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's most popular comic opera. Set during the reign Queen Victoria, "The Pirates of Penzance" tells the story of Frederic, who is mistakenly indentured as an apprentice to a pirate rather than a pilot as a child. Having completed his 21st year, and thus his apprenticeship, Frederic announces that he loathes piracy and will be leaving, in hopes of finding a suitable wife. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two fall instantly in love. However, Frederic soon learns of a mistake that forces him to return to the pirates, holding on to Mabel's promise that she will wait for him until he officially comes of age.

Assumption's production will showcase the best of the college's artistic talent, including Blair.

"The Hanover Theatre and this operetta, both rich in history, provide a unique opportunity to showcase the tremendous talent of Assumption students," said the production's director and producer Richard Monroe '85, an Assumption alumnus and the College's guest theater director. "Large-scale musicals like 'The Pirates of Penzance' bring together a large community of performers and crew to create something truly amazing. The College community looks forward to again contributing to Worcester's vibrant arts scene through this comedic musical."

Other past Assumption theatre productions performed at The Hanover include "Children of Eden," "The Fantasticks," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Les Miserables," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Oliver!" and "Seussical the Musical."

Performances will be held at7:30 p.m. on April 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 24. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for Assumption students and children. Purchase tickets by visiting The Hanover Theatre website or by calling the theatre box office at 877-571-SHOW (7469).