Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance

Presented by the Department of Music and The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.

The best-known and most loved of all Gilbert and Sullivan works (at least to American audiences and performers alike), The Pirates of Penzance unleashes its rollicking band of inept pirates and bumbling policemen for the seventh time on the Mandel Hall stage this March. Filled to the brim with songs, jokes, and visuals that promise to be familiar and accessible to those new to Gilbert & Sullivan, Pirates also holds a special place in the hearts of countless performers, as it represents the first exposure for many to the world of light opera.

The Company’s 2025 production of Pirates will be particularly special to its directorial team, who bring a well-crafted and complete show honed over thirty years and fifteen separate productions—including the 1980s Broadway and National Tour productions, as well as productions designed from W.S. Gilbert’s original prompt books. This production promises to be an unforgettable event for performers and audience members of all experience levels—from Savoyard aficionados to light opera novices—and will be a true testament to the enduring power and beauty of Gilbert and Sullivan for generations to come.

Shane Valenzi, Stage Director
Matthew Sheppard, Music Director
Music by the UChicago Chamber Orchestra
Tickets: $25-50 general, $10 students (with student ID) and children

Order online: Order tickets anytime at tickets.uchicago.edu. Our ticketing software works best on a laptop or desktop computer. Once you choose your preferred show, use the “Jump To” dropdown menu to view available seating in all sections of the theater.

Order by phone: Call 773-702-2787 during the box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm-4:00 PM

Since 1984, the Department of Music and the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company have collaborated to mount an annual Gilbert and Sullivan show. Any proceeds from this year’s production will directly benefit the Performance Program.