Richard Byrum previews the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s production of H.M.S. Pinafore: or, The Lass That Loved a Sailor.

The comic opera was the fourth operatic collaboration by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert. It was the duo’s first opera to achieve international acclaim. The opera takes place on the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore and tells the story of the captain’s daughter, who is in love with a lower-class sailor, although her father intends her to marry the First Lord of the Admiralty.

H.M.S. Pinafore remains relevant today largely because of the jabs it takes at the traditional British class system, patriotism, party politics, and the rise of unqualified people to positions of authority.

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City will present H.M.S. Pinafore on November 6, 8, 11, and 14. Founded in 1961, the Lyric Opera Guild is the principal support organization for the Lyric Opera and continues to offer a variety of activities and programs.