In a bit of national ‘breaking news’, the Cornwall Central High School’s Drama Club has been chosen to perform the pilot production of the new high school edition of Pirates! The Penzance Musical!

“We are excited to announce that the Cornwall Central High School Drama Club’s spring musical will be Pirates! The Penzance Musical!,” Director Anthony Ravinsky told the Cornwall Central School District Board of Education on October 5. “This fresh adaptation reimagines Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic The Pirates of Penzance in New Orleans, updating the original book and score while bringing new energy and style to the beloved comic operetta.”

CCHS isn’t new to being ‘the first’ to perform a show – in 2024 they did the same , hosting the New York State high school premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child high school edition.

“This is an especially exciting opportunity for our students and program,” Ravinsky said. “Throughout the production process, our students and staff will work with the show’s licensing company and authors as they continue to adapt and develop the work specifically for high school performers. We’re honored to do so.”

He continued: “Being part of a pilot production gives our students a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a show that will eventually be performed by schools across the country.”

Basically, he said, they’ll be taking the Broadway version of the show – this is not, by the way the old Pirates of Penzance show that many schools have done; it’s a newer show “with a New Orleans Jazz vibe to it”. They’ll tailor it to the high school level and then the production company will “push out” that version to other schools.

Why CCHS? “We were approached because of the quality of our work,” he said candidly. “The work of our Drama Club is well known.”

He added that he and the students “are thrilled”. The Board of Education was too, with Board President Christine Diaz calling it “an incredible opportunity for high schoolers” and Board Member Jamie Fox saying it’s just “very cool”.

The show will be performed in April. But, while you’re waiting for it, this fall, the CCHS Drama Club will perform You Can’t Take it with You, Ravinsky said, running from November 13-15.