'The Pirates of Penzance' June 14, 16

Augustana faculty will perform and direct a local production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance,” June 14 and 16.

The performances are a joint effort of Genesius Guild, Opera@Augustana, Opera Quad Cities and St. Ambrose University. The opera will be staged at the St. Ambrose Galvin Fine Arts Center.

Shelly Cooper, assistant professor of theatre arts at Augustana will play the role of Edith, and Dr. Michelle Crouch, adjunct assistant professor of music at Augustana, will provide stage direction. 

Dr. Nathan Windt, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities for St. Ambrose, will conduct. Opera Quad Cities is the overall production producer.

Founded in September 2001, Opera Quad Cities is a non-profit organization dedicated to opera and related programs in the community. Its members — Genesius Guild, Opera@Augustana, Opera Quad Cities, and the St. Ambrose University Music Department  — joined forces to continue the tradition of summer opera in the Quad Cities.

Last June was the first time in 10 years the group produced a fully staged opera — Mozart's “The Marriage of Figaro" — at St. Ambrose. Previously, summer operas sponsored by Genesius Guild and Opera@Augustana were held in Rock Island’s Lincoln Park.  

 “The Pirates of Penzance” is about Frederic, who, upon turning 21, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of pirates. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Of course, complications ensue.

Tickets are available online.  The June 14 performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and the June 16 show is a 3 p.m. matinee.

Tickets are $25 or $20 for seniors. Students with ID are admitted free.