Play Suggestions: Adapting Pirates of Penzance

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Adapting Pirates of Penzance

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4921
Printed Date: 11/24/24 at 11:44pm
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Topic: Adapting Pirates of Penzance

Posted By: peacock
Subject: Adapting Pirates of Penzance
Date Posted: 1/13/11 at 8:43pm

I teach at an international school where 95% of my students are Asian. I have a very enthusiastic group, over 88% of my students are in the cast or crew. We have to choose shows carefully, as our kids are pretty game to do anything, but our audience is a little less sophisticated, and they do not all understand tons of English.

I want to do a pirate themed musical. I have looked at a lot of them. Then, I thought about Pirates of Penzance. At first I figured it would be impossible, but them I listened to it. The story is great, the songs are hysterical. But we can't do operetta style. I see that there are children's versions, but I don't want to dumb it down that much. So, any suggestions for adapting it? Has anyone ever tried. I saw pictures on this site of a group that reset it in the 1770's so that they could use Caribbean inspired costumes, I think that is a fantastic idea.

Thanks for any suggestions of any kind.

Replies:

Posted By: gitrdone
Date Posted: 1/13/11 at 11:16pm

Hi, I have just finished auditions for Pirates... the Shawnee Press adaptation which is a 16 song edition. I often (or is it orphan?) have to use shorter versions and try very hard to avoid dumbed down stuff. My kids are new to musical theatre and commitment is a real problem. This version is quite good imho.

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mr D