FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Pirates of Penzance are coming to Tacoma! Tacoma, WA- June 22, 2013 Seven FREE performances of *Pirates of Penzance* will be presented July 26-August 3 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1102 S. Pearl Street in Tacoma. This timeless and hysterical family-friendly comedy by Gilbert & Sullivan features singing, dancing (including tap and the Samoan Haka dance), sword fights, and loads of laughs. A pirate ship with shooting canons makes a grand entrance at the top of the show and is supplemented by a beautifully painted set, costumes and humor appropriate for the whole family. This production directed by Erin Guinup includes a live orchestra of superb musicians and features 40 actors from throughout the Puget Sound Area, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Graham, Auburn, Seattle, Maple Valley, and Lacey. *Pirates of Penzance *tells the ridiculous tale of a pirate apprentice named Frederic who decides to leave piracy when he turns 21 because his indentures are complete. His very old nursemaid tries to convince him to take her with him and marry her but he realizes she’s ugly and he soon falls in love with Mabel, the Major General’s lovely daughter. When the pirates return, they capture Mabel’s sisters and make plans to marry them against their will. The Major General then tells the false tale of being an orphan, and plays upon the gullible pirates’ sympathies. Guilt eats at the Major General and a band of inept police officers are sent to capture the pirates. Meanwhile, it is soon revealed that Frederic was born on Leap Day and thus is only 5.25 years old and still in his indentures. Duty requires that he once again fight for the pirates and he now fights against his love and her father. A crazy adventure ensues until we reach a happy ending for all. This FREE performance is a unique opportunity to see musical theatre at a price anyone can afford. No offerings will be solicited or accepted. No tickets are required and seating is on a first come basis. Performances will be held on July 26, 27, August 1, 2, 3 at 7pm and on July 27 & August 3 at 3pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1102 S. Pearl Street in Tacoma. This production of *Pirates of Penzance* is presented by The Multi-Stake Cultural Arts Committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Past productions include *A Christmas Carol, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Lamb of God, Savior of the World, *Handel’*s Messiah, *Broadway Revues, Art Festivals, and Choral programs. Coming events include *A Christmas Carol, *a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens classic tale, and The Festival of the Nativity featuring a community sing along of Handel’s Messiah along with displays of nativities from around the world.* A Christmas Carol *will run November 8th – 16th. The Messiah sing-along will be held on Saturday, December 7th , with the Festival of the Nativity running the entire weekend of December 6th – 8th. Admission is free to all events. For more information Contact: Erin Guinup eringuinup @ gmail.com Phone: 253-777-8478