'H.M.S. Pinafore' sails into Cambier Park as Opera Naples' annual family performance

COURTESY PHOTO H.M.S. Pinafore "H.M.S. Pinafore," one of the most popular Gilbert and Sullivan operas, comes to the outdoor stage at Naples' Cambier Park for two family performances in English this weekend. Opera Naples presents the show famous for its mirth and silliness, infectious tunes and gentle satire about the differences in social classes.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6. Family four-pack tickets (two adults, two children) are $100; individual tickets range from $10 for lawn seating to $75 for premium seating.

The fourth collaboration between William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan, "H.M.S. Pinafore" was their first blockbuster hit. The opera opened May 28, 1878, at London's Opera Comique and instantly became a fad in England, where it ran for 571 performances. It was copied illegally by dozens of performing companies in the United States and was also presented in this country by Gilbert, Sullivan and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

Opera Naples was founded in March 2005 by soprano Steffanie Pearce. The company embodies the hallmark of regional opera, engaging professional singing actors, stage directors and guest conductors for principal roles, while encouraging and supporting talented performers from Southwest Florida.

The performances of "H.M.S. Pinafore" are underwritten by Moran Asset Management Group of Wachovia Securities.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.operanaples.com or by calling (800) 771-1041.

In case of foul weather (lower than 58 degrees or rain), the show will go on at North Naples United Methodist. If in doubt, call (239) 287-8694.