‘Pirates of Penzance' performances at SCCC

NEWTON — “Pirates of Penzance” will be presented at the Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College April 9 to 11. Show times on Friday, April 9 are 8 p.m; Saturday, April 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Lubrecht, Pirates of Penzance is the amusing tale of love, piracy, absurdity, nobility and tuneful gaiety. The musical is the origin for the “keystone cops” of Mack Sennett. Musical director for the production is Phillip Lid of Sparta and Lighting Design is by SCCC’s Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs, Bryan Zellmer. The story concerns Frederic (SCCC alum Douglas Oswin) who at the age of 21 is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley (Christopher King) and the two fall in love. Frederic finds out, however, that he was born Feb. 29 and so he only has a birthday each leap year. His apprenticeship indentures state that he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday and so he must serve another 63 years. Mabel (SCCC student Rebecca Neill) agrees to wait for him faithfully. Tickets are $5 to $15 and can be purchased through the SCCC Box Office at 973-300-3171 or online at sussex.edu.