(RED BANK, NJ) -- Phoenix Productions presented Pirates - The Penzance Musical from September 25-27, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts. This is a jazzy and joyous reimagining of the beloved Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Transporting the pirates to 1800s New Orleans, this outrageously clever romp sizzles with Caribbean rhythms and French Quarter flair with brand-new orchestrations as well as a brand-new book by Tony Award® winner Rupert Holmes (Curtains). With a tongue-twisting Major General, a rabble-rousing Pirate King, romance, swordplay, wordplay, and off-the-charts fun, there’s a shipload of musical comedy delights on board to dazzle first-timers and Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados alike.
The cast included Duane Banks (Pirate King), Sean Sciarrillo (Frederic), Gianna Sophie Minardi (Mabel), Matty Price (Ruth), John C Short (Major General), Hudson Eder (Sergeant), Emerson Granata (Edith), Anusha Kohli (Kate), Rosa Spalliero (Callie), Amanda Marino (Chantilly), Joleigh Tumminelli (Delphine), Julia Gorban (Emma), Jack Nicolay (Francois), Raul Ortega III (Josè), Kyla Puryear (Josephine), Kyle Kennedy (Kersten), Keegan Haack (Roscoe), Joshua McGrath (Salvo), and Kayla Rose (Yvette).
Pirates closed out the season for Phoenix Productions. Their 2026-27 season opens with Parade from November 6-8, 2026. In 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. Already guilty in the eyes of the public, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor’s false testimony seal Leo’s fate. His only defenders are a governor with a conscience, and – eventually – his assimilated Southern wife, who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.
The season continues with Disney's Frozen (February 12-14, 2027); Memphis, the Musical (April 23-25, 2027); and Les Misérables (June 25-27, 2027). All performances are at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.
For over 35 years, Phoenix Productions has been dedicated to the mission of providing quality theatrical experiences on both sides of the footlights. Since its first production in 1988, they’ve produced over 100 main stage shows providing on-stage and back stage opportunities for thousands of talented volunteers.
Here are more photos from the production.
John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
Saturday, Nov 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
Red Bank, NJ
Eric Jacobsen conductor
Christian McBride double bass
Chris Komer horn
New Jersey Symphony
Saturday, Jan 09, 2027
@ 7:30pm
Count Basie Center for the Arts
Red Bank, NJ
Valentina Peleggi conductor
Blake Pouliot violin
New Jersey Symphony
