Set Sail for The Pirates of Penzance at McCaw Hall
Seattle Opera is charting a course for laughter, love, and plenty of high-seas hijinks with Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comedy The Pirates of Penzance. Opening October 18 and running through November 1, 2025, at McCaw Hall, this swashbuckling favorite is making its Seattle Opera debut after earning rave reviews at The Glimmerglass Festival, The Atlanta Opera, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
With music by Arthur Sullivan and a sharp, witty libretto by W.S. Gilbert, the story follows Frederic, a young man finally free from his accidental apprenticeship to a band of pirates—or so he thinks. A quirky leap-year loophole threatens his freedom, testing his sense of duty just as he pledges his heart to the daughter of the “very model of a modern Major-General.” Cue a whirlwind of romance, rapid-fire lyrics, and clever comedy that will leave audiences smiling from start to finish.
Backed by the world-class Seattle Symphony Orchestra, this production combines toe-tapping tunes with a stellar cast of operatic talent. And because it’s performed in English with English subtitles, it’s the perfect show for families, first-time opera-goers, and longtime fans alike.
Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. The full production runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this rollicking, family-friendly farce at McCaw Hall. Gather your crew, grab your tickets, and get ready to set sail with The Pirates of Penzance!
Performance Dates:
October 18, 19, 24, 26, 28, 29, 2025
November 1, 2025
Location: McCaw Hall
