The Pirates of Penzance is a "Savoy Opera" by Gilbert and Sullivan. The only Gilbert and Sullivan opera to have a premiere in New York City, it was a smash hit on its opening on New Year's Eve in 1879, and remains one of their most popular works today.
Selections Used in Muppet Productions[]
References[]
- The At the Dance spot in The Muppet Show episode 507 featured Eric the Parrot explaining to his dance partner at what point in history parrots learned to talk. According to Eric, the first School for Talking Parrots began over 2,000 years ago by one of Ben-Hur's great aunts; hence the famous Parrots of Ben's Aunts.
- Kermit warns they'd better do a good job with their Pirates of Penzance number in the July 6, 1984 The Muppets comic strip or their critics — Statler and Waldorf aiming cannons from their box seats — will blow them right off the stage.
- During the credits of Elmo's Deep Sea Adventure, Oscar the Grouch lists off various trinkets he's found beneath the waves. Among the items are "a bunch of trousers with holes in them." Oscar deduces these are "The Pirates of Men's Pants' pants."
- The Muppets Character Encyclopedia mentions Annie Sue took part in the stage production of The Pigs of Penzance.
Connections[]
- Kaye Ballard was a replacement for Ruth in the 1981 Broadway production.
- Tim Curry played the Pirate King in the 1982 London production.
- Pat Galloway played Ruth in a 1985 television production.
- Louise Gold played Edith in the 1983 film version and Isabel in the 1982 London production.
- Abby Hadfield has played both Edith and Isabel.
- Jeff Hyslop played Frederic in a 1985 television production.
- Kevin Kline played the Pirate King in the 1981 Broadway production, and the 1983 film version.
- Chris Langham played the Sergeant of Police in the 1982 London production.
- Clive Revill played Major-General Stanley in the 1981 national tour.
- Linda Ronstadt played Mabel in the 1981 Broadway production, and in the 1983 film version.
- Gary Sandy was a replacement for the Pirate King in the 1981 Broadway production.
- Paxton Whitehead played the Sergeant of Police in the 1981 national tour.