The Pirates of Penzance

A two-act comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan which debuted in 1879 and became one of their most popular works. It follows an apprentice pirate, Frederic, who has completed his 21st year of duty which would mean he qualifies for release, but he discovers that the servitude ends on his 21st birthday and, because he was born on a leap year, he technically has 63 years servitude remaining. His only solace is the woman he has fallen in love with, Mabel, agrees to wait for him.