The schools of music and performing arts at Wichita State University will present the ever popular Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Pirates of Penzance” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, in Miller Concert Hall.

Tickets for the G-rated production are $16 with discounts available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office, (316) 978-3233 or www.wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice.

What makes “The Pirates of Penzance” one of the best loved of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas is its infectious silliness. All it takes is a rollicking band of pirates, a bevy of beautiful maidens and their “very model of a modern Major-General” father, a dashing pirate apprentice, a fading nursemaid and a corps of cowardly constables.

“Pirates” continues to entertain audiences with Sullivan’s glorious music, which perfectly parodies the grand 19th century Italian operas. In the Monty Python-esque plot, Gilbert deftly satirizes the conflict between love and duty that bedevils so many operatic heroes.

The music, the comic plot and a large cast of characters also add up to a great experience for graduate and undergraduate students majoring in opera performance, voice performance and music theatre.

Cast and crew for ‘Pirates of Penzance’

The Pirate King will be portrayed by Andrew Simpson and Joseph Consiglio III on alternate performances; Frederick by Luke Walker and Kevin Mitchell; Samuel by Jeff Perritt; Sergeant by Anthony Perkins Jr. and Scott Salem; Maj. General by Chy Billings; Ruth by Sarah Comely and Allison Golloday; Mabel by Lily Guerrero and Sarah Diller; Edith by Charissa Memrick; Kate by Katelyn Stoss; and Isabelle by Joella Wolnik.

Members of the ensemble (Pirates, Police and Maidens) are Michael Allen, Kyla Bolling, Alex Casteneda, Jessica Hedden, Demetrius Hodge, Liz Jarmer, Dan Hughes, Ashley Lauren, John Stephenson, Hannah Meyer, Jordan Snow, Christina Kesler, Dallas Welch, Alyssa Parks, Alex Wells, Janet Wiggins and Max Wilson.

Courtesy of the Brown Memorial Trust, guest choreographer Josh Larson will team up with WSU faculty and students to collaborate on the production and design elements.

Set design is by associate professor David Neville; costumes by student Amber Creasser; lights by student Jonathan Paxson; props by guest artisan Tom Mittlestadt; sound by David Muehl, Performance Facilities; stage manager is student Kendra Rios; technical director is alumnus Derek Olsen; rehearsal pianist is alumnus Thomas Grubb; musical preparation is by chorale director Michael Hanawalt; voice and dialogue coach is assistant voice professor Randy Lacy; assistant director and dance captain is student Ross McCorkell; assistant stage manager is student Isabel Velazquez; graphic design is by adjunct faculty Danette Baker; publicity by students Susana Hansen and Kendra Rios; director of Performance Facilities is Ray Clithero; and production manager is associate professor Ed Baker.