Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number

Pirates! (or, Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder'd) is a charming tale of a lad indentured to a ship of rogues due to an inconvenient birthday. Frederic has the unfortunate leap-year birthday and thus remains in the accidental custody of said swashbucklers. His dear nursemaid, Ruth, has convinced him that she is the utmost picture of beauty (although in actuality Ruth is an old maid and has, you know, lived among pirates for some time -- an environment that doesn't leave room for personal hygiene, let alone presentation). Finally, Frederic comes of age and is freed from his sailing family of thieves. Upon making his land debut, he sees his first true love -- a young lass by the name of Mabel. It's all history, as they say, after that. Pirates! premieres tonight at 8:15 p.m. at the Muny in Forest Park. Tickets range from $10 to $70 (with free seats opening at 7 p.m. every night) and are available by phone at 314-534-1111, through www.metrotix.com or at the box office.
July 30-Aug. 5, 2012