4/8/24

By Allison Hillebrand

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State University (FHSU) School of Visual and Performing Arts will present an adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular comic opera, Pirates of Penzance. The show will run from Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Felten-Start Theatre.

Tickets are available on the FHSU Music and Theatre concert and event calendar. The tickets cost $15 for the general public and $10 for students and senior citizens over 65.

Pirates of Penzance is a 19th-century parody of traditional operas, poking fun through satire and irony while exploring timeless themes of courage and honor. The revived 1981 Broadway production, which ran for 787 performances, received the Tony Award for Best Revival.

This year’s opera marks director Ivalah Allen’s last show before her retirement in May of 2024 after 13 years at FHSU.

“It’s really hard for me to step away,” Allen said. “I absolutely adore my students. We have fun, and when I see them making progress, it makes my heart swell.”

The 20 students involved in the show–three from local high schools–have been practicing their roles since November. 

Alongside Allen’s direction, Department Chair Benjamin Cline will conduct the full orchestra. Carl Sage created the sets for the opera, and Tomme Williams created the costumes for each character.

Williams will also be retiring in May of 2024 after 13 years working as the theatre director for the FHSU Department of Music & Theatre.

“There is dancing and sword fighting,” Allen says. “There is a lot of laughter in it. This is a very fun opera.”

For more information, visit the Music and Theatre events website at www.forthaysarts.com.