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Pirates of Penzance JR.

  • Performances must be done by accredited schools using students only.
  • Sorry, orders cannot be processed for Community Theatres, Children's Theatres or Performing Arts schools which do not have an academic curriculum.

Broadway Collection musicals make take ~1 week to process since a separate licensing contract must be signed. Please plan to accordingly to order these shows.

Pirates of Penzance JR.
Pirates of Penzance JR.

Credits

Book by Sir William Schwenck Gilbert

Music by Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan

Lyrics by Sir William Schwenck Gilbert

Overview / Synopsis

Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. The wit and whimsy of Gilbert and Sullivan's classic score is suffused with a modern sensibility in The Pirates of Penzance JR, a swashbuckling musical journey!

Set on the rocky coast of Cornwall, England, The Pirates of Penzance JR begins with a group of pirates who are celebrating the birthday of one of their own, Frederic, who has reached his 21st year. Finally having served the full length of his required time with the pirates, he decides to strike off on his own and become an upstanding citizen - which may even mean bringing the pirates to justice. Thus turns out to be a tricky prospect indeed, especially when Frederic's freedom is called into question!

The Pirates of Penzance JR is a light, comic introduction to the work of Gilbert and Sullivan, featuring opportunities for singing as an ensemble or in small groups, with vocal parts written in unison or simple two-part harmony.



Cast of Characters
Samuel
Samuel is a pirate and serves as the second in command to the Pirate King. Where the Pirate King is self-assured, assertive, and strong, Samuel is more bookish. Think of him as the accountant to the Pirates. Samuel has some featured solos and it is a good role for a performer who is showing good promise, but needs to nurture their skills a bit.
Vocal range: Bb3-Eb3
Pirate King
The Pirate King is a great comic lead for a boy who is self assured, a bit of a ham, and great at physical comedy. Cast someone who is inventive, fearless and willing to take positive risks. The Pirate King should sing reasonably well, but he doesn't need to be a polished singer. Consider casting someone who is athletically inclined and a natural leader-this is a great role for the star soccer player, or captain of the football team.
Vocal range: B3-Eb5
Frederic
Frederic is the male ingénue of the show. He should have a great voice that is polished. Frederic should also have looks that qualify as "dreamy" if at all possible. Think Davy Jones, Luke Perry or anyone who may be worthy of the cover of Teen Beat or Teen People. Frederic can be a better singer than an actor, but it's great if he can be both.
Vocal range: B3-F5
Ruth
Ruth is a humoristic tour-de-force for a young comedian. She should be able to play matronly but still be vibrant and full of energy. An actress who is physically different from Frederic is a great choice. For example, if your Frederic is tall and thin, consider a short and stocky Ruth. Ruth transforms from old matronly, to a knock-out beauty when she returns with the Pirate King in "When Fred'ric Was a Little Lad", so it's great to cast an actress who is versatile. Ruth has a featured solo, but doesn't have to be a polished singer. Cast a comedian who is naturally funny, and can be bigger than life. Someone who played Miss Hannigan in Annie Junior, or Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man Junior would make a great Ruth.
Vocal range: G3-Eb5
Kate, Edith, and Isabel
Kate, Edith and Isabel are the leaders of General Stanley's wards, with Edith serving as the leader among the three. Of the three, Kate and Edith have solos, although you could break-up their solos to provide Isabel with a solo as well. These three should be good singers, good dancers, and reasonable actresses. Traditionally, Edith wears glasses and is more bookish, Kate is aggressive and tomboyish, while Isabel is younger and more naïve. However, these three roles are open to interpretation. Consider having your actresses create their own character types as long as the characters are specific and can be sustained throughout the entire production. These are great roles for actresses you are nurturing for future lead parts.
Vocal range: G3-F5
Mabel
Mabel is the female ingénue to Frederic's male ingénue. She must have a polished, operatic or legitimate voice. Mabel should be attractive and a reasonable actress, but doesn't need to be an accomplished actress. She's the female star of the show, and the character who takes the biggest risk.
Vocal range: G3-G5
Major-General Stanley
Major-General Stanely is one of the signature character types in any Gilbert and Sullivan show. For Pirates the Major-General is the character who delivers the rapid fire patter song. An excellent part for a young performer who may not have great pitch, but has great rhythm. Cast that kid who listens to hip-hop and rap; they'll be a natural as the Major-General. Personality is primary in this part; acting, singing, and dancing are a definite second thought.
Vocal range: A3-Eb5
Sergeant
The Sergeant of Police should be a good singer and a great dancer. Don't hesitate to cast a girl in this role; simply slap on a handlebar moustache and you'll be good to go! Think "Key Stone Cops" as your inspiration.
Vocal range: C4-E5
Police Chorus
For this chorus, you can cast your best dancers and singers and mix boys and girls, or just girls if that's your best option. The police are traditionally portrayed as "Key Stone Cops"; so performers who are physically adept will be a great addition to your show.
Vocal range: E3-F#5
Daughter Chorus
These are the wards of Major General Stanley and can range in type and talent as broadly as required. Consider casting Daughters who are accomplished dancers and letting them take the lead in the dances. Cast singing Daughters to lead the singing; throw in some kids who can neither sing nor dance but are great character actresses and encourage them to be funny. Mix it up and your Daughter chorus will be an outstanding addition to your Pirates company.
Vocal range: F3-G5

Pirate Chorus
If you didn't read the Daughter chorus description, do so now. Everything that applies to casting the Daughters, applies to the Pirates. Don't hesitate to mix boys and girls as Pirates. (In fact sometimes girls make the best pirates!) You can have your chorus of Police play Pirates in the early numbers to give everyone more to do.
Vocal range: Bb3-F#5


Musical Numbers

Pour, O Pour the Pirate Sherry
[Pirates, Samuel]
When Frederic Was a Little Lad [Ruth]
Oh, Better Far to Live and Die 
[Pirate King, Pirates]
Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me 
[Frederic, Ruth]
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain 
[Daughters, Edith, Kate]
Stop, Ladies, Pray! 
[Frederic, Edith, Kate, Daughters]
Oh, Is There Not One Maiden 
[Frederic, Daughters, Mabel]
Poor Wandering One 
[Mabel, Daughters]
Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses 
[Frederic, Daughters, Pirates]
I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General 
[Major-General, Chorus]
Oh, Men of Dark and Dismal Fate 
[Major-General, Samuel, Pirate King, Pirates, Mabel, Daughters]
Oh, Dry the Glistening Tear 
[Daughters]
When the Foeman Bares His Steel (Tarantara!) 
[Peter, Tiger Lily, Brave Girls, Lost Boys, Children]
When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold (Part 1) 
[Ruth, Frederic, Pirate King]
When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold (Part 2) 
[Ruth, Frederic, Pirate King]
Tarantara! (Reprise) 
[Sergeant, Police]
A Rollicking Band of Pirates We 
[Pirates]
With Cat-like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal 
[Pirates, Police]
Now What Is This, and What Is That 
[Daughters, Pirates, Major-General, Mabel, Frederic]
Finale 
[Sergeant, Pirate King, Police, Daughters, Major-General, Ruth, Pirate King, Mabel, Frederic, Edith]

Important: Due to the fact that "grandrights" must be obtained for licensing and performance of Junior Shows, certain restrictions do apply:

  • Performances must be done by accredited schools using students in Grade 9 or under only. High schools with students older than ninth grade must contact Music Theater International directly.
  • Sorry, orders cannot be processed for Community Theatres, Children's Theatres or Performing Arts schools which do not have an academic curriculum.
  • Your purchase price includes the materials in the showkit plus unlimited performing rights for one year. Upon placing your order, you will receive a performance rights license from Hal Leonard Corporation. After the completed license is returned to Hal Leonard, they will send out the complete Showkit (non-returnable). Twisted Plays will then send you an invoice for the material.
  • Products may be sold only in the United States and Canada.
$695.00
  • Stock: In Stock
  • Item Number: HL9971456
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Broadway Collection Licensing Steps

Whether you're looking for an Broadway Collection show based on a recent hit from Broadway, a timeless classic, a beloved Disney tune or a show based on an award-winning book, we have something for everyone.

Simply browse the collection from the list on our Broadway Junior, Broadway Kids, Young@Part or Younger@Part showpages, and you'll find helpful information on the shows' requirements on their individual show pages.


Read a Copy of the Script Before You Decide

Not sure what show you'd like to perform? Order an audio sampler of a script (also comes with a full listening CD of the show) so you can read the libretto to see if it's right for your group. Read one or read several musicals to help you make the best decision. We strongly recommend you read the script before you book a show - even if you think you know a title. Only you know what material is appropriate for your school.

Audio Samplers are available from Twisted Plays for $10-$15 USD (plus shipping) each. These are yours to keep, even if you decide not to perform the show.

Twisted Plays knows schools are facing challenging times, so they've created a special license just for accredited schools grades K-9. This license includes all the ShowKit™ resources listed above, plus the right to perform the show as many times as you would like within one year.


  • MTI's 30-minute KIDS titles range from $395 to $645
  • MTI's 60-minute JR. titles range from $550 to $795
  • Young@Part titles are $675
  • Younger@Part titles are $525


Simply order your selected musical from Twisted Plays. Be sure to include your school's shipping and contact information.

Once Twisted Plays has received your order your License Agreement will be sent/emailed/faxed to you. This is generally a quick process, so be sure to contact us at info@twistedplays.com if you do NOT receive your License Agreement within one week of placing your order.

Read over your License Agreement CLOSELY to be sure you understand it. Broadway Collection titles are non-returnable, so once you sign the license, you've made your purchase. Sign your agreement and return it to Hal Leonard as soon as possible.


Once we receive your signed agreement we will ship your order.

Congratulations! You're on the way to what we hope is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of yours' and your students' lives! When your ShowKit™ arrives in the mail you're ready to start rehearsing.

Broadway Collection FAQ

Your Performance License is good for 12 months. You can keep all the materials after the 12 month period, but the materials are not reusable.

You will need to purchase a new kit and sign a new performance license if you would like to perform the show again at another time. The materials are not re-useable, refundable or transferable.

The shows that can be videotaped with the purchase of a Video License at $75 include:

  • Disney's Aladdin JR.
  • Disney's Aladdin KIDS
  • Annie JR.
  • Annie KIDS
  • Disney's The Aristocats KIDS
  • Disney's Beauty and the Beast JR.
  • Disney's Cinderella KIDS
  • Dear Edwina JR.
  • Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs before Dark KIDS
  • Elf The Musical JR.
  • Fame JR.
  • The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR.
  • Disney's Frozen JR.
  • Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens JR.
  • Guys and Dolls JR.
  • Disney's High School Musical 2 JR.
  • Disney's High School Musical JR.
  • Honk! JR.
  • Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR.
  • Disney's The Jungle Book KIDS
  • Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS
  • Disney's The Lion King JR.
  • Disney's The Lion King KIDS
  • Disney's The Little Mermaid JR.
  • Madagascar - A Musical Adventure JR.
  • Mary Poppins JR.
  • Disney's My Son Pinocchio JR.
  • Peter Pan JR.
  • Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon KIDS
  • Seussical JR.
  • Seussical KIDS
  • Shrek The Musical JR.
  • Singin' in the Rain JR.
  • Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS

Main restrictions: video recordings are for cast/crew/families only, can't be sold and can't be broadcast in any way including on the Internet.


The remaining shows do not allow videotaping. Parents cannot tape, even just for their own personal in-home use. It has nothing to do with how the tape would be used, not being sold, etc. It all comes down to legal copyright rights. Here is how Music Theatre International explains it:


Unfortunately, the rights to videotape are not available. Copyright law gives authors the exclusive right to control the reproduction of their work. When a license is granted for a live stage production of a show, that license does not include the right to tape it because the authors retain the sole right to decide when or if their work is recorded in any way. Even a videotape made for classroom use, as a personal memento or as an archival school record violates the authors' separate right to reproduce their work. In most cases, the authors have already granted such rights exclusively to film or television companies, in which case videotaping this show would also be infringing upon the rights granted by the authors to a third party.


There is no broadcasting of the show in any way, even if you've signed a video license. The license specifically restricts the right to broadcast your performance on YouTube, any school channel, etc.

No. All performers are required to be in the 9th grade or under when the show is performed.

No. The show must be performed exactly as it has been provided to you in the ShowKit™ materials and you cannot delete, alter or make changes of any kind in the text of the play, the musical numbers, characters or characterizations.

BROADWAY JUNIOR/KIDS

With the MTI ShowKit™ that comes with every Broadway Junior show, there's no way to fail! Even teachers with no theatrical training or experience can easily put on a successful production. All ShowKits™ contain helpful materials enabling you to make your musical the ultimate interdisciplinary teaching tool.


The ShowKit™ includes*:


  • Director's Guide
    • Tips and suggestions on casting, rehearsals, directing, choreography, costumes, sets, props, lighting and more
    • Curriculum Connections featuring educational activities and lesson plans tied to the show
  • 30 Actor Scripts - For all the actors to customize and keep
  • Performance Accompaniment & Guide Vocal Tracks
    • Adapted from the original Broadway orchestrations and professionally produced
    • Great keys for young singers
    • Guide-vocal tracks allow students to "sing along" - learning the music is easy and fun
    • Fully orchestrated accompaniment-only tracks are excellent for live performances with good tempos and easy-to-follow cues
  • One Piano/Vocal Score
    • Complete scores for the director and rehearsal/performance pianist
    • Complete piano/vocal score with script cues
    • Transposed into age-appropriate keys
    • Easy-to-read format
  • Choreography Videos
    • Instructional choreography videos with world-renowned choreographer Steven Kennedy
    • Steven shows you everything you need to know to handle the dance portions of your MTI Broadway Junior Collection® title
  • Downloadable Resources
    • Audition materials
    • Customizable press release
    • Customizable show program
    • Helpful templates

* Some showkits have additional or fewer components. See specific show web pages for exact contents.


THE NEW DIRECTOR'S GUIDE

We've been busy updating all of our ShowKits™ to ensure they remain the best educational resource in the industry. One of the most exciting new elements is the fully re-conceived Director's Guide, patterned after Broadway production show books. In addition to all of the content you love in the classic Director's Guide, features of the new Director's Guide include:


  • A three-ring binder allowing you to carry all of your production information in one place and expand and customize the binder to meet your production needs
  • The Actor's Script section of the Guide features a full-sized script for easier viewing
  • Expanded resources in all production and curriculum areas that reach three levels of directing experience: beginning, intermediate and advanced
  • Downloadable resources including audition materials and editable forms

Young@Part/Younger@Part

Each Showbox includes:

  • 30 Cast Script/Vocal Books
  • Director's Script
  • 2 Piano/Vocal Scores
  • Guide Vocals CD
  • Performance Tracks CD
  • Logo Pack CD

TRW is thrilled to announce the inclusion of two vital production resources in our Young@Part® ShowBox: choreographic videos brought to you by The Original Production (TOP), and Digital Backdrops from Broadway Media Distribution (BMD). We consider these creative elements - choreography and scenic design - as crucial to the production value of a show. Your Digital Backdrops and Choreographic Videos will be delivered digitally as soon as you've booked your Young@Part® license. We can't wait to give you access to these incredible production tools so you can see firsthand what the excitement is about.


CHOREOGRAPHIC GUIDE VIDEOS BY TOP

TOP Choreographic Videos provide step-by-step instruction from Broadway choreographers, giving you and your cast the training to execute each number in the show. Whether you use the choreography as is or adapt it for the unique needs of your cast, this thorough teaching tool is a framework for bringing memorable dance numbers to your show. TOP not only breaks down the dance sequences, but also examines the history and development of each style of movement in the show. Teachers consistently share with us how TOP has helped challenge and motivate their students, provide development for their choreographers, and bring a "wow factor" that thrills their audiences.

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