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Milligan musical theatre and orchestra present ‘The Pirates of Penzance’


The Pirates of Penzance poster

MILLIGAN UNIVERSITY, Tenn. (Oct. 31, 2022) – Milligan University musical theatre and orchestra will present a concert version of the classic light opera, “The Pirates of Penzance,” at the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Chapel, Nov. 4-5.

The performance features Milligan alumna Mareena Rodriguez as guest soloist in the role of Mabel. Rodriguez, who is pursuing graduate studies in opera performance at Lee University, appears courtesy of the Milligan Arts Council.

“Milligan students are having a ball bringing this incredible music and sharp-witted text to life through song and dance, and we are lucky to have both our own talents and some talented members of the community involved in the production,” said director Jamie Buxton, assistant professor of musical theatre.

Playwright W. S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan’s first presented “The Pirates of Penzance” in New York in 1879. The story follows a group of good-hearted pirates that fall in love with the general’s daughters on the British isle of Penzance. 

“The resulting mayhem is every bit as hilarious today as it was when it premiered 143 years ago,” said Buxton. “It will be a gorgeous, exciting and side-splittingly funny evening of entertainment for all ages to enjoy.”

The classic musical features the songs, “With Catlike Tread,” “Poor Wand’ring One” and “I Am the Very Model of Modern Major General.” 

“I have wanted to stage ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ on Milligan’s campus for a long time, so it is exciting to rehearse this fun and beloved work and to present it to our community,” said Dr. Kellie Brown, professor of music and director of the Milligan orchestra.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Nov. 4-5. All seats are reserved seating. Tickets are on sale now for $10 at Milligan.tix.com.


Posted by Chandrea Shell on October 31, 2022.