Defying expectations, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis offers one of the most delightful opera experiences in the world. First up in the 2026 festival season? The Pirates of Penzance. Frederic is finally free from his pirate apprenticeship — or so he thinks. On his 21st birthday, he’s ready to renounce his zany crewmates and embrace a new life on land, but when he falls for the spirited Mabel, daughter of the famously fast-talking major general, plans go awry. Chaos erupts as the major general, his daughters, the police and Frederic’s pirate band engage in a hilariously over-the-top clash of swords and parasols. With sparkling wordplay and toe-tapping tunes, Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic operetta is a delight for all ages. All Opera Theatre of Saint Louis performances are sung in English and accompanied by the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. “We believe that opera can be accessible to everyone,” Andrew Jorgensen, general director of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, says. “We prioritize compelling music as well as transformational theatrics, and our pre- and post-show traditions add to the joy, excitement and fun – because that’s what an evening at the theater should be!”
