2024 - 2025 Broadway Musical Logos:
Pirates! (The Penzance Musical)
In probably the best advertising move concerning a Broadway musical in years, Roundabout changed its show art for Pirates! The Penzance Musicalbefore it got serious promoting the production. I won't go into too much detail about that version, but it was so unappealing I literally had no interest in seeing the show. Now, though, I am really excited to see it.
Why you might ask? Well, it looks exciting and fun. First, the title is in a plain, modern font in a bright yellow, surrounded by purple and gold layers. The title alone tells us this won't be your grandma's traditional Gilbert and Sullivan revival. The sea faring blue is nautical adjacent and appropriate.
Another clue that this won't be a by-the-book Pirates of Penzance (as if the title change wasn't obvious enough) is the festive multi-colored confetti all over the image. Party! Then there is the cast photo - having sexy Ramin Karimloo, it-girl Jinkx Monsoon, and comedy legend (and Tony-winner) David Hyde Pierce front and center is definitely a plus - that looks like the company is having a lot of fun. They are a sexy, eclectic group in a Pippin-meets-Johnny Depp way, smiling and goofing off. It says hijinks will be the order of the day if you come see this.
If you know that this version has been adapted by Rupert Holmes(The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and reset in New Orleans' French Quarter, it all makes sense. The confetti, the bright mismatched costumes, and the colorful parasols are bringing Mardi Gras parade krewes magic to this key art. Pirates... NOLA... I am there!
In short, it looks like nothing but joy, abandon and a good time. These days, that is one heck of a thing. And a terrific selling point.
Grade: A+