The Historic Elitch Theatre will host Opera Colorado’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance on Saturday, May 16 — exactly 135 years after the operetta was first performed on the same stage in 1891.

The performance is part of the theatre’s Elitch Encore Series and arrives during a milestone year. 2026 marks the 135th anniversary of the Historic Elitch Theatre, coinciding with Colorado’s 150th year of statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Pirates was among the productions that helped launch the theatre in its inaugural season.

“When we realized that The Pirates of Penzance was previously on our historic Elitch stage in 1891, and that we could partner with Opera Colorado to bring it back this summer for our 135th anniversary year, we knew this was a once-in-a-century moment,” said Rex Fuller, Historic Elitch Theatre’s executive director.

The 1891 production was presented by the Boston Opera Company at what was then called the Elitch’s Gardens Pavillion Theatre. The show ran for a week, with admission set at 25 cents for adults and 10 cents for children.

Opera Colorado’s 2026 staging is fully produced with sets, costumes and props, and has been abridged to roughly 60 minutes. The story follows young Frederic, an orphan apprenticed to a band of pirates, who falls for Mabel, daughter of the pompous Major-General Stanley. Sentimental pirates, blundering policemen and some of the most memorable tunes in operetta drive the plot.

To mark the anniversary, the theatre has launched a $135 for 135 campaign, inviting 135 supporters to contribute $135 each toward preserving the landmark. Participating donors will be recognized on a commemorative plaque and invited to an end-of-summer reception. More information is available at historicelitchtheatre.org/support/135-for-135.

Opened in 1891 by John and Mary Elitch, the Historic Elitch Theatre is the oldest surviving summer stock theatre in the United States. It sits at 4600 W. 37th Place in Denver’s West Highland neighborhood and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.