“Impressive, I recommend it. Gilbert and Sullivan's lighthearted, pleasantly ridiculous operetta will please and amuse. Delightful tongue-twisting verse, gently absurd situations, laughable characters and joyous endings. The revved-up music is rousing, the lyrics are challenging and the various modernizing ideas are fun. Todd Olson's fine direction keeps the stage busy. The most delightful onstage personage is Eddleman as the Major-General, wearing a modern military outfit crowded with medals, he's absurdity itself.”
-Creative Loafing

“Enjoyable. An impressive production, with superb lighting by Ben Williams and a handsome set (complete with Tampa Bay Bucs flag) by Olson and John Malolepsy. Vince DiMura’s arrangements for the band contain many clever riffs — from keening Cajun fiddle to prog-rock power chords to ragtime. Zach Nadolski and Gina Varchetto are a pair of appealing young romantic leads, their ardent arias and duets are a pleasure. There is more fine chorus singing by the Pirate King (Darrel Blackburn) and his motley crew, whose wildly divergent costumes (by Frank Chavez) resemble those of a hair metal band. Jane Strauss has a delectable, scenery-chewing turn, rich in goofy stage business, as Ruth, the former nursery maid to Frederic.”
-St. Petersburg Times

American Stage Theatre Company will produce Gilbert and Sullivan's hit musical-comedy The Pirates of Penzance during the theatre's 23rd annual production of American Stage in the Park, April 9 thru May 4.

Come again to American Stage in the Park to see the greatest musicals under the stars! But beware; pirates are landing at Demens Landing Park. Gilbert & Sullivan struck musical-comedy gold with their band of wild, chest-pounding, crew of pirates who make it a rule never to hurt orphans (as they are all orphans themselves). The Pirates of Penzance is a hilariously colorful storybook adventure of fair maidens, swaggering pirates, bumbling policemen and true love that's perfect for the entire family.

The story revolves around young Frederic who seeks to leave the Pirate King and his band of scalawags on his rapidly approaching 21st birthday. After falling in love with a Major General's daughter, Fredric must devise a way to protect his new family from the Pirate King and his nefarious plans, while at the same time finding a way to break free from his obligations to the pirates. Will Frederic save the day?

Featuring a glorious score of several updated, Gulf Coast flavored songs, this swashbuckling classic includes the most famous patter song ever written, "I am the very model of a modern Major General".

"As we continue to evolve this fun spring tradition of theatre under the stars, we're so excited about being able to bring The Pirates of Penzance to Bay-area audiences," said Todd Olson, American Stage's producing artistic director. "Adults and kids alike love this fantastic musical that's part 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and part 'Monte Python's Flying Circus', and it's just the kind of outdoor experience we've always wanted for the Park."

Please call the American Stage Box Office at (727) 823-PLAY (7529) or