Abbreviated Version Of 'The Pirates Of Penzance' Coming To McLean

MCLEAN, VA — The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will be performing an abbreviated version of “The Pirates of Penzance” at The Alden Theatre at the McLean Community Center on Friday, Oct. 13.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Albert Bergeret, the shortened, 90-minute version of the show is performed with piano accompaniment and without a set. In the second act, the cast will perform Gilbert & Sullivan favorites.

“The Pirates of Penzance” takes place on the coast of Cornwall, England, where a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrate the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy, until a ludicrous leap year snag threatens to keep him apprenticed to the pirates for life.

In the first act, “The Wand’ring Minstrels” will perform an abbreviated version of “The Pirates of Penzance” with six singers, each assuming multiple roles, and some narration. The singers will appear in full costume with some props.

In the second act, a variety of selections from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertory will be performed in a spontaneous cabaret format. It features scenes and songs from the rest of the Gilbert & Sullivan canon, including company favorites as well as impromptu renditions of audience requests.

The show, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13 is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $20, $17 for students and seniors and $15 for McLean Community Center tax district residents. The Alden is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave. in McLean. Visit The Alden website to purchase tickets.