2008-2009 Performances: H.M.S. Pinafore: Opera Story

H.M.S. Pinafore

Setting:  On the Quarterdeck of the H.M.S. Pinafore

Act I.  The crew of the Pinafore is on deck, readying the ship for a visit by Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty.  A bumboat woman known as Little Buttercup climbs aboard to sell snuff, tobacco, and other trinkets to the lads.  Ralph Rackstraw, a handsome, intelligent sailor, emerges from belowdecks and reveals to his shipmates that he loves, alas, far beyond his station.  The object of his affection is in fact the Captain’s daughter, Josephine, who is being courted by Sir Joseph.  Dick Deadeye warns Ralph that the difference in social ranks is too great, to the disgust of the rest of the crew.  Captain Corcoran enters and greets his crew, who then depart to continue their work.  Josephine enters lamenting that she cannot love the Admiral, for her heart belongs to a common sailor aboard the Pinafore.  However, as a dutiful daughter, she promises never to reveal her love to the sailor.

Sir Joseph arrives followed by an entourage of his adoring sisters, cousins and aunts, led by Cousin Hebe, who is quite smitten with the Admiral herself.  He presents the sailors with a song he has written, espousing the belief that a British sailor is any man’s equal, excepting his own.  As he and the Captain exit to discuss the proposed marriage Ralph, inspired by the Admiral’s song, resolves to tell Josephine of his love for her.  Though Josephine secretly loves him, she scorns his advances because of the difference in their social ranks and storms away.  In despair Ralph prepares to take his own life, but Josephine returns at the last moment and reveals her love.  Aided by the Admiral’s sisters, cousins, and aunts and the entire crew (minus Dick Deadeye), Ralph and Josephine plan to elope that very night.

Act II.  Captain Corcoran sings to the moon of his recent troubles.  Buttercup over hears him, and reveals her affection for him.  Though they cannot be together because of the difference in their ranks she hints that things are seldom what they seem.  Sir Joseph returns, unhappy that Josephine does not favor his proposal.  The Captain suggests she is merely shy due to the Admiral’s lofty rank.  At the Captain’s suggestion, Sir Joseph attempts to persuade Josephine that love levels all ranks.  Josephine is secretly delighted at his eloquent approval of her efforts to marry Ralph.

Dick Deadeye catches the Captain alone and warns him of Josephine and Ralph’s plan to elope.  Together they lie in wait for the stealthy crew.  As he confronts the lovebirds, the Captain grows so exasperated that he loses his temper.  The Admiral overhears his cursing and orders the Captain to his cabin, defending Ralph as any man’s equal.  When Josephine rushes into Ralph’s arms, the Admiral demands Ralph be thrown in the dungeon.  As he is led away, Buttercup comes forward and reveals her secret: that long ago she nursed two infants, one of common birth and one upper class, and accidentally mixed them up.  The two were Ralph and the Captain!  Since it is now out of the question for the Admiral to marry Josephine, Ralph (now the Captain) is free to marry her, and the Captain (now a lowly sailor) is free to marry Buttercup.  Sir Joseph agrees to marry his doting Cousin Hebe, and three weddings ensue.