The Pirates of Penzance

New York and W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" have always been good friends. After a single afternoon performance in Paignton, England, on Dec. 30, 1879, to secure the British copyright, the comic opera's official premiere was the next night, New Year's Eve, at New York City's Fifth Avenue Theatre, with Sullivan himself conducting.

This simultaneous presentation was a move to prevent what had happened following the remarkable success of "H.M.S. Pinafore," when many American performing companies produced unauthorized versions. Of the more recent New York productions of "Pirates," the most notable was Joseph Papp's 1981 Public Theater entry that began at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park and ended with a long run on Broadway, gaining a Tony Award for best revival on the way. Kevin Kline was the dashing Pirate King, and Linda Ronstadt was the attractive, trill-a-minute Mabel.

Now, 132 years later almost to the day, comes the good-humored New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players' 2011 edition, directed and conducted by Albert Bergeret. For many years, Bergeret has been the keeper of the G&S flame in this town. As a custodian noted for his enthusiasm, persistence, and artistry, he rates as a living New York Treasure. While maintaining the traditional Gilbert and Sullivan values—especially the music—he's unafraid of goosing the material with a light hand when he thinks it's needed.

Mentions of illegal immigration and the federal government's stimulus package are but two examples. This "Pirates," assisted by a full orchestra on one side of the Symphony Space's wide, envelope-style stage, demonstrates the rare and joyous event of strong, unamplified voices coming straight at you.

Gilbert's plot line is suitably silly. Frederic (Daniel Greenwood), who as a child was apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted pirates led by the Pirate King (David Wannen), has reached 21 and is celebrating his freedom to embrace respectability at last. Ruth (Angela Christine Smith), once Frederick's nurse, would now in turn like to embrace a reluctant Frederic.

Enter the pretty young wards of Major-General Stanley (James Mills). Frederic immediately falls for the prettiest, Mabel (Sarah Caldwell Smith), while the others are seized by the pirates. The following nonsense includes the Major-General's guilty conscience, Frederic's birthday on Feb. 29, timid coppers led by a fainthearted sergeant (David Auxier), Queen Victoria, and a happy ending.

Greenwood makes a beefy but very well-sung Frederic, Smith is an attractive if vocally sharp Mabel, Mills creates a sweetly dithering Major-General, and Wannen contributes a raffish Pirate King with great presence. There's also strong support from Smith's Ruth and David Macaluso's pirate lieutenant, plus some wonderful voices in both choruses.

The packed afternoon performance attended was labeled "Bring Your Grandparents Day." It was just the opposite, as many fond grandparents introduced their grandchildren to their first Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. For Bergeret, the beat goes on.

Presented by New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players at the Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2523 Broadway, NYC. Dec. 28–Jan. 1. Thu., 7 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.; Wed., Sat., and Sun., 3 p.m. (212) 864-5400, www.symphonyspace.org, or www.nygasp.org.