Gilbert & Sullivan’s Classic Operetta to Showcase the Best of Assumption’s Artistic Talent

WORCESTER, MA (March 17, 2016)— Assumption College’s Department of Art, Music and Theatre will present the Tony Award-winning musical Pirates of Penzance, the College’s 8th annual spring production, at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts on April 22-24 featuring Assumption students, alumni, and members of the community.

Pirates of Penzance is W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's most popular comic opera. Set during the reign Queen Victoria, Pirates of Penzance tells the story of Frederic, who is mistakenly indentured as an apprentice to a pirate rather than a pilot as a child. Having completed his 21st year, and thus his apprenticeship, Frederic announces that he loathes piracy and will be leaving, in hopes of finding a suitable wife. He meets Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, and the two fall instantly in love. However, Frederic soon learns of a mistake that forces him to return to the pirates, holding on to Mabel’s promise that she will wait for him until he officially comes of age.

“The Hanover Theatre and this operetta, both saturated with history, provide a unique opportunity to showcase the tremendous talent of Assumption students,” said the production’s director and producer Richard Monroe ’85, an Assumption alumnus and the College’s guest theater director. “Large-scale musicals like The Pirates of Penzance bring together a large community of performers and crew to create something truly amazing. The College community looks forward to again contributing to Worcester’s vibrant arts scene through this comedic musical.”

Assumption’s production of Pirates will showcase the best of the College’s artistic talent, including those students who will take on the lead roles:

Brian Belleville ’18, of Wilbraham, will play Frederic. At Assumption, Brian is the president of his class, a circulation desk representative at the D’Alzon Library, an orientation leader, and an intramural sports champion.  In February, Brian received the honor of being crowned Mr. Worcester 2016.  Prior to this show, Brian has played Oliver (Oliver!), Benjamin (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), and has been a part of the ensemble for The Pirates of Penzance, Barnum, Once Upon a Mattress, and Camelot with the Wilbraham United Players.

Shant Eghian ’18, of Seekonk, will play Major General Stanley. Shant, who is planning to double major in history and political science, has performed in the chorus of various operas for Opera Providence such as La Traviata and The Mikado. Last year, he played the part of Motel Kamzoil in Assumption's production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Kelse Merrill ’17, of Wynantskill, NY, will play the Pirate King. He is a history and medieval studies major at Assumption. Past roles include Avram in Fiddler on the Roof, Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple, and Teddy Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace.

Sarah Mombourquette ’17, of Whitinsville, will play Mabel. Sarah is double majoring in music and psychology, and is an active member of the College’s Chorale and VOCE ensembles. Her past performances include roles for Assumption's productions of Les Miserables and Fiddler on the Roof.

Other past Assumption theatre productions performed at The Hanover include Children of Eden, Fiddler on the Roof, The Fantasticks, Little Shop of Horrors, Oliver! and Seussical the Musical. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on April 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 24. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for Assumption students and children. Purchase tickets by visiting The Hanover Theatre website or by calling the theatre box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469).

ABOUT ASSUMPTION COLLEGE

Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption in Worcester, Mass., Assumption College offers undergraduate students 42 majors and 48 minors in the liberal arts, sciences, business, and professional studies; as well as master’s and continuing education degrees and professional certificate programs—each through an educational experience that grounded in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition. The curriculum enables students to gain a depth and breadth of knowledge that leads to professional success and personal fulfillment. Students—whether on the Worcester campus or at the College’s Rome, Italy, campus—become engaged participants in Assumption’s classic liberal arts education, exploring new ideas and making connections across disciplines. To prepare for the workforce, students learn cutting-edge theory and best practices, conduct innovative research, and develop excellent communication and critical-analysis skills. Assumption graduates are also known for their thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service to their community. For more information about Assumption College, please visit www.assumption.edu.