Magnificent sets. Spectacular costumes. Glorious voices. Live symphony orchestra. Familiar musical scores. Timeless, classic story lines. Emotional introspection. The artistry of opera offers a theatrical experience like no other.

Before going to the opera, plan ahead to get the most out of your experience.  Will you eat dinner out before the opera or after the opera?  What time should you arrive?  We recommend that you arrive at the venue AT LEAST 30-minutes prior to the performance to allow time to find parking and your seat, and so you won’t feel rushed.

The Pirates of Penzance is scheduled to begin on Saturday evening, January 23, 2010 promptly at 7:00pm. There is a 15-minute intermission after an approximate one-hour and six-minute first act.  The second act is about 10 minutes shorter. Including curtain calls at the end of the opera, the second act should be over around 9:15pm.

Venue & Parking

The performance takes place at the Branscomb Auditorium on the campus of Florida Southern College.  Click here for a map and additional parking information.  Parking is available for FREE.  Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to curtain time to allow for unexpected parking lot delays due to activities on campus.  There are FSC Moc’s basketball games going on in the Jenkins Field House on the night of the opera.

What to Wear

To many, the opera is the perfect opportunity to be elegant and glamorous. But for those who take a more laid-back approach, comfortable style is the way to go.  So no matter if you like dolling it up, or taking it easy, you’ll fit right in.

Be Prepared

Knowing the storyline of the opera before arriving for the performance is a great initial step to enhancing the enjoyment of your opera experience.  If you have time, read the synopsis, cast list and biographies in the opera program right now!

If you don’t have time to learn something about the opera beforehand, come early and read through the program in the lobby or in your seat before the lights are dimmed.  Branscomb lobby opens at 5:30pm, but the theatre will not open until the Production Stage Manager gives the go ahead to open the theatre doors at approximately 6:30pm.

No food and beverages are allowed in the theatre.

When the lobby lights flash before the opera and at the end of intermission, that means you have a few minutes to find your seat.

About the Performance

At curtain time, the house lights are dimmed, and the musicians of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra begin to perform the opera’s overture. The overture is a musical masterpiece that transports you from your seat into the storyline.  The overture contains snippets  of the music you will hear later in the opera.

The stage scene reveals itself before your eyes, and the performers begin to enter. Unlike musicals or plays, most operas have very little spoken dialog, however “The Pirates of Penzance” has more dialog than most.  In “The Pirates of Penzance,” W.S. Gilbert’s libretto (book) which is like a script for a movie, is set to the music composed by Arthur Sullivan and sung by the story’s characters.  This includes the principal cast and the chorus members who are also singing and acting in full costume.

Even though this opera is in English, we have chosen to project supertitles above the stage during the singing to benefit those who may have a little difficulty hearing and because the language is “British English” rather than “American English.”  We felt this would enhance the experience for many attendees.  If it seems like there are a lot of blanks, that’s because repeated lines are only shown once in the supertitles.

Performers and production specialists who bring these masterworks to life are people who’ve been perfecting their craft their entire lives. The end result for audiences is a performance that is presented at the highest artistic level.

Opera brings you face to face with a range of human emotions; it can be sad, hysterical, surprising or uplifting. Feel free to laugh or cry as the drama presents itself.  ”The Pirates of Penzance” is one of the most humorous in the repertoire.  The cast and crew have had a jolly good time preparing it for you.  Enjoy!