|
 The
quality of H. M. S. Pinafore is found in the rich variety of the music and
the clever lyrics along with a fun script. The language is elegant and the
jokes are funny without being vulgar. The operetta with libretto by Sir
William S. Gilbert and music by Sir Arthur Sullivan first premiered at the
Opera Comique, London on May 25, 1878. It has continued to maintain a high
position in musical theatre with its charm, wit and ability to delight
audiences of every age and type. This was the godfather of American musical
theatre.
High spirits seem to be the order of the day aboard Her Majesty’s Ship
Pinafore, anticipating the visit of Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the
Admiralty. The crew is busy preparing the ship, stopping only to make
purchases from Little Buttercup, a peddler, and to exchange compliments with
their well-manner Captain. The only sad note is struck by Ralph Rackstraw,
one of the sailors, who is hopelessly in love with Josephine, the Captain’s
daughter. Not only is her social position far above his, but her hand has
been promised by her father to Sir Joseph. When Sir Joseph arrives with his
female entourage, professing some decidedly eccentric ideas about naval
discipline, Ralph is inspired to press his suit with the lady. At first she
refuses him, but when he threatens suicide, she admits her love for him and
agrees to elope.
That night, Captain Corcoran learns that he, too, has a secret admire
–Little Buttercup, but he puts her off because of the difference in their
positions. Sir Joseph, meanwhile, has come to the conclusion that a similar
difference is keeping Josephine from accepting his proposal. He tells her
that “love levels all ranks,” which she takes, however, as an endorsement of
her love for Ralph. Her father, upon learning of her true plans, halts the
elopement. His furious outburst is overheard by Sir Joseph, who banishes
him to his cabin. Sir Joseph is even more outraged, though, when he hears
the reason for the Captain’s anger. He orders Ralph imprisoned and is about
to turn on Josephine when Little Buttercup makes an extraordinary
confession: Ralph and the Captain, entrusted to her care as babies, were
somehow exchanged!
The improbability of the revelation proves no obstacle to its immediate
acceptance by all concerned, and the sailor and the Captain assume each
other’s places. Their new stations enable them to marry Josephine and
Little Buttercup, and Sir Joseph is claimed by his cousin Hebe. |
