Media release from the Rome Symphony Orchestra:
The Rome Shakespeare Festival and the Rome Symphony Orchestra invite the community to experience an unforgettable musical and theatrical partnership as the two organizations bring Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved comic opera to life in grand fashion with a special presentation of “The Pirates of Penzance” — for one weekend only.
The production will take the stage at the Rome City Auditorium on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 19, at 2 and 7 p.m. The combined efforts of the two respected cultural institutions bring together skilled actors and singers from across the region and the country — as well as two beloved local colleges — to present the fully staged operetta.
“This performance of ‘Pirates’ is something special. It’s not just a concert, and it’s not a full production — it’s a unique, semi-staged collaboration featuring professional opera stars,” said Drew Davidson, Artistic Director of the Rome Shakespeare Festival. “At the heart of it all is the idea of being a ‘slave to duty’ — that tension between tradition and personal freedom.”
Sir Arthur Sullivan’s timeless music — including “Poor Wand’ring One” and “The Major General’s Song” — has entered the pantheon of both musical theater and opera favorites. W.S. Gilbert’s hysterical libretto has left audiences in stitches for more than 100 years. At their farcical finest, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” is a witty, spirited operetta that takes audiences on a fast-paced journey through misunderstandings, moral dilemmas and delightful chaos — with unexpected twists brought to life by a cast of duty-bound heroes, eccentric villains and spirited maidens in a seaside setting. All the while, it satirizes Victorian values and romantic ideals.
“With the vision and talent of the Rome Shakespeare Festival and the power and beauty of the Rome Symphony Orchestra, an epic and special collaboration of this scale is not to be missed!” said Jeffrey Dokken, Music Director and Conductor of the Rome Symphony Orchestra. “We are so excited to share these performances with the community and truly could not be prouder or more thrilled to be involved.”
As an added layer of fun and engagement, guests are invited to help set the seafaring scene by dressing according to the theme and setting of “The Pirates of Penzance.”
“I’m really excited about this show for a number of reasons,” said Dr. Maryanne Kyle, voice and opera professor at Shorter University, who is performing the role of Ruth. “It’s hilarious on all fronts. Our director has staged this in such a fun and hilarious way that you’re going to be very entertained. We’re performing with the incredible RSO. Additionally, our cast is a really strong group of performers, and we’ve had a lot of fun putting this show together.”
Joining Kyle is Dr. Scott Willis, voice and opera professor at Berry College, who will perform the role of the Major-General, as well as soprano Kelly Curtin — praised by Opera News for her “crystal-clear soprano” — reprising her role of Mabel.
Patrons are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets for “The Pirates of Penzance” in advance. Doors to the Rome City Auditorium will open one hour before each performance. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.RomeSymphony.org or call 706-291-7967.
