Kevin Earley, Omar Lopez-Cepero Lead Marriott Theatre's THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Opening 4/13

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE will be presented at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL, previewing April 4, opening April 13 and running through June 10.  The beloved tale of love, laughter and loyalty will be directed by Multi-Jeff Award Winner Dominic Missimi.  Starring as “The Pirate King” will be Jeff Award Winner Kevin Earley (Broadway: Ernest Defarge in A TALE OF TWO CITIES, Trevor Graydon in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Broadway and National Touring companies of LES MISERABLES); Omar Lopez-Cepero will star as “Frederic” (Broadway: AMERICAN IDIOT, National Tour of EVITA), and Patricia Noonan will star as “Mabel” (Jane Austen’S PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, Signature Theatre and DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY, Roundabout Theatre).

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE is the fifth collaboration of the renowned Gilbert and Sullivan duo. The comedic opera officially premiered in New York City December 31, 1879.  It was the only Gilbert and Sullivan operetta to have its World Premiere in the United States. Over one hundred and thirty years later, Gilbert’s wit and Sullivan’s memorable score has placed THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE among the most valuable treasures of musical theatre history.  

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE follows the story of young Frederic who, as a child, is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates.  Upon completion of his apprenticeship to the pirates on his 21^st birthday, Frederic is released from his servitude. Soon after, he meets the fair maiden Mabel, daughter of Major-General Stanley. The two fall instantly in love; but, as always, obstacles threaten to cause trouble for young Frederic. It turns out Frederic was born during the leap year, which means even though he is 21 years old, he has only had five birthdays, and is in fact indebted to the pirates for 63 more years.

Bound by his own sense of duty, Frederic’s only solace is that Mabel agrees to wait for him faithfully. Full of roving rogues and dazzling damsels in distress, PIRATES OF PENZANCE is a treasure chest full of mischievous musical mayhem that will have audiences crying from laughter. 

Joining Kevin Earley (The Pirate King), Omar Lopez-Cepero (Frederic), and Patricia Noonan (Mabel) are Chicagoland favorites Ross Lehman as the Modern Major General and Alene Robertson as Ruth.  PIRATES OF PENZANCE also features Roger Anderson, Brian Bohr, Kelly Anne Clark, Carl Draper, Natalie Ford, Patrick Gagnon, Andrew Lupp, Jeff Max, Christine Mild, Susan Moniz, Alexandra E. Palkovic, Christine Perkins, Liam Quealy, Sam Rogers,Brandon Springman, William Travis Taylor and Bernie Yvon. 

Lead Artistic Director Andy Hite heads the Artistic Team for PIRATES OF PENZANCE with Direction by Dominic Missimi, Choreography by Matt Raftery and Music Direction by Ryan T. Nelson. Set Design is by Tom Ryan, Costume Design by Nancy Missimi, Lighting Design by Diane Williams, Sound Design by Bob Gilmartin, Props Design by Sally Weiss, and Puppets and Specialty Props design by MerEdith Miller.  Patti Garwood conducts the Marriott Theatre Orchestra.