Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) has announced the cast and creative slate for its upcoming 2026 production of The Pirates of Penzance, which features familiar faces and new stars as it makes its way back to the OTSL stage for the first time since 2013. Directed and choreographed by Seán Curran, this family-friendly production features whimsical set and costume designs by James Schuette for a delightful take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s most beloved operetta. 

Director Seán Curran is an acclaimed dancer and choreographer who first rose to prominence as a member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and later as a founding performer in STOMP. He is notable for his inventive choreography, which bridges contemporary dance, opera, and theater. Conductor Darryl Archibald makes his company debut leading the Grammy® Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for this Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Archibald is known as a versatile conductor and music director whose work spans Broadway, opera, and symphonic repertoire.

The cast includes three notable returns by artist alumni: soprano Jana McIntyre will take on the role of the winsome Mabel, following a much-acclaimed company debut as Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2025; contralto Meredith Arwady (last seen at OTSL in 2015’s Emmeline) will portray Ruth; and the quick-talking Major-General Stanley will be brought to life by baritone Robert Mellon, whose comedic prowess shone during OTSL’s 2025 Festival Season in the roles of Frank in Die Fledermaus and Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

The cast also includes two exciting company debuts: bass-baritone William Socolof will lead the hapless band of pirates as The Pirate King, and tenor Daniel Espinal performs the role of Frederic, the pirate apprentice eager to find freedom and love.  

“I first conceived this production of Pirates for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and over the last decade I’ve been lucky enough to remount this show at opera companies all over the U.S. It is such a treat to now be able to bring this production home to Opera Theatre where it first began,” said stage director Curran. “This whimsical operetta has something for everyone — music that tickles the ear and creates a motor for sumptuous dancing, physical comedy that tugs at your heart, and generous characters who prevail against hilarious, impossible odds. A classic in every sense, it reminds us that love conquers all.” 

Opera Theatre dedicates this production to the memory of Virginia “Jinny” Jackson Browning. 

Performances of The Pirates of Penzance will take place May 23 through June 27 at the Loretto-Hilton Center at Webster University. Season subscriptions are already on sale at ExperienceOpera.org and single tickets will go on sale on Monday, October 27. For more information, patrons may visit OTSL’s website or contact the box office at (314) 961-0644.

About The Pirates of Penzance: 

Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert
May 23, 29, June 3, 6 (matinee), 14, 18, 27 

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. 

In addition to The Pirates of Penzance, Opera Theatre’s 2026 Festival Season offers Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, an operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous romantic tragedy; the Tony Award-winning musical The Light in the Piazza, with a book by Craig Lucas and music and lyrics by Adam Guettel; and the highly anticipated company premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire, led by Artistic Director Patricia Racette and Principal Conductor Daniela Candillari. Opera Theatre will also present its annual young artist showcase, Center Stage, highlighting the talents of the company’s Richard Gaddes Festival Artists and Gerdine Young Artists, and the free community concert Our Songs, which features a different guest curator each year in a celebration of music, connection, and community.