For Immediate Release
Oct. 29, 2009

Contact: David Irwin
Media Relations Manager
(585) 245-5516
Irwin@geneseo.edu

Pirate King Adam LaSalle keeps a watchful eye on Major 
General Stanley’s daughter Mabel, played by Michelle Geisler,
and pirate apprentice Frederic, played by Chris Blasting, in the
SUNY Geneseo production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” The
production runs Nov. 18-22.

SUNY Geneseo to Stage Classic Gilbert and Sullivan Light Opera "The Pirates of Penzance" Nov. 18-22

GENESEO, N.Y. -- The State University of New York at Geneseo’s School of the Arts and the college’s student association are presenting Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comic operetta “The Pirates of Penzance” Nov. 18-22 at the Alice Austin Theatre in the Brodie Fine Arts Center. The Wednesday through Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. The Sunday matinee begins at 2 o’clock. 

The whimsical tale of a bumbling band of swashbuckling pirates, flighty young maidens and their father, a “very model of a modern Major-General,” has been a hit with audiences since its premiere on Broadway in 1879. W.S. Gilbert wrote the libretto and Arthur Sullivan composed the score.

 Directed by David Munnell, visiting assistant professor of theater at Geneseo, the production mixes modern and period elements to create a unique dramatic world that fully expresses the music, satiric wit and earnest love that form the heart and soul of the show. 

“I fully expect our production to not just be fully accessible to contemporary audiences and music lovers, but to families, children and adults of all ages,” said Munnell. “It’s a terrific evening of humor, romance, and pure entertainment.”

The Geneseo artistic faculty members involved in the production include Gerard Floriano, musical director and professor of music; Steve Stubblefield, scenic designer and associate professor of theater; and Crystal Ferrell, costume designer and visiting assistant professor. 

Heading the cast are junior Michelle Geisler as Major General Stanley’s daughter Mabel, the female lead, and senior Chris Blasting as the pirate apprentice Frederic, the male lead.  Playing General Stanley is senior Lucas Groth and the Pirate King is played by Adam LaSalle. The all-student cast is joined by senior Jake Fine as the lighting designer. Senior MaryElizabeth Kimbark and junior Lauren Alaimo are the choreographers. 

Tickets are $10 for the general public, $9 for Geneseo faculty, and $8 for Geneseo students.  They are available by calling the box office at (585) 245-5833 or via the internet at bbo.geneseo.edu.  Geneseo’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” is supported by mandatory student activity fees.