Since its premiere in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s wildly popular operetta H.M.S. Pinafore has delighted audiences with a nautically tinged story of star-crossed lovers. The gentlemanly Captain Corcoran of the good ship Pinafore has a daughter, Josephine, who is in love with a lowly but gallant sailor named Ralph Rackstraw. The Captain forbids the marriage, wanting to match Josephine instead with the well-bred Sir Joseph, First Lord of the Admiralty. In the meantime, the Captain finds himself in nearly the same position as his daughter: his former nanny, Little Buttercup, falls in love with him, but he hesitates to reciprocate due to his higher social rank. The whole situation is turned on its head when Little Buttercup reveals a game-changing secret she has kept for decades. A rollicking farce with endearing characters, memorable tunes, and a hilariously happy ending, H.M.S. Pinafore is a classic, time-tested delight not to be missed.

Who are the Resident Artists?

Resident Artists are emerging professionals who participate in an artistically challenging residency program with Opera Naples. They receive training and perform in mainstage productions, in-school programs, and community outreach concerts and events.

In the 2022-23 season, Opera Naples will engage 4 Resident Artists – a soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and baritone.

• Josephine, soprano – Sara LeMesh

• Little Buttercup, mezzo-soprano – Grace Skinner

• Ralph Rackstraw, tenor – Steven Ricks

• Captain Corcoran, baritone – Jeffrey Goldberg