“Throw in David Rockwell’s cartoonish sets, Linda Cho’s eccentric costumes, and Donald Holder’s painterly lighting and this Pirates! is a jolly good time.”
By David ShewardApr 25, 2025Full Review
MUSICALREVIVALCLOSED
Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Opened Apr 24, 2025 · Closed Jul 27, 2025 · Ran for 3 months
11 Rave
10 Positive
4 Mixed
2 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics find this New Orleans-set Gilbert & Sullivan reimagining a charming, entertaining trifle elevated by David Hyde Pierce's performance, though some feel the jazzy Broadway treatment undercuts the original's wit and musical nuance.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
27 reviews11 Rave
10 Positive
4 Mixed
2 Negative
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“It’s fresh, fearless, and full of flair.”
By Matt WindmanApr 25, 2025Full Review
“It is high-adrenaline, hilarious and most importantly, feel-good escapism.”
By Markos PapadatosApr 25, 2025Full Review
“Hyde Pierce’s presence mints the entire enterprise.”
By Tim TeemanApr 24, 2025Full Review
“Pirates! The Penzance Musical is a truly beautiful celebration of how individuality and collectiveness can come together to create something wonderfully fun that holds space for laughter despite moments of sympathy.”
By Mason PilevskyApr 25, 2025Full Review
Audience Scorecard
2.5K audience reviews
B+
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2024-25 season44
Honored
Nominated for Best Revival (Musical)
Drama Desk:2 wins / 5 nomsOuter Critics:2 nomsDrama League:2 noms
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Pirates! The Penzance Musical?
Critics find this New Orleans-set Gilbert & Sullivan reimagining a charming, entertaining trifle elevated by David Hyde Pierce's performance, though some feel the jazzy Broadway treatment undercuts the original's wit and musical nuance. (CriticScore 77/100 from 27 reviews.)
Is Pirates! The Penzance Musical worth seeing?
Yes. Pirates! The Penzance Musical earns strong reviews from critics (77/100 from 27 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for Pirates! The Penzance Musical?
Pirates! The Penzance Musical has a CriticScore of 77/100 based on 27 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is Pirates! The Penzance Musical still running on Broadway?
No, Pirates! The Penzance Musical has closed. It played at Todd Haimes Theatre and closed on July 27, 2025.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueCompleted a major renovation in early 2026 with all seats replaced and legroom expanded, making it one of Broadway's most comfortable and modern houses. New restrooms significantly reduce intermission wait times.
Original Broadway Cast
- Ramin KarimlooPirate King
- Jinkx MonsoonRuth
- David Hyde PierceWilliam S. Gilbert
- Nicholas BaraschFrederic
- Preston Truman BoydArthur Sullivan
- Samantha WilliamsMabel Stanley
- Kelly BelarminoGeneral Stanley's DaughterBroadway debut
- Cicily DanielsGeneral Stanley's Daughter
Notable Replacements
- Richard Riaz YoderThe New Orleans Volunteer Police
Creative Team
- Scott EllisDirector
- Joseph JoubertMusic Direction
- Arthur SullivanMusic
- W.S. GilbertLyrics
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 77/100 (27 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Apr 24, 2025
- Closed
- Jul 27, 2025
- Run Length
- 3 months
- Synopsis
- In the rollicking musical "Pirates! The Penzance Musical," a young man named Frederic is mistakenly apprenticed to a band of bumbling pirates, leading to a hilarious clash of duty and desire as he falls for the beautiful Mabel and must choose between his love and his loyalty. With swashbuckling adventure, soaring music, and a heart-warming story, this lighthearted production at the Todd Haimes Theatre promises a delightful evening of pure theatrical enchantment.
- Data Last Updated
- October 9, 2026
