"The Pirates of Penzance" is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, first performed in 1879. The story follows Frederic, a young man who was mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates until his 21st birthday. Upon realizing his mistake, he decides to leave the pirates and pursue a life of respectability. As Frederic encounters Mabel, the daughter of the Major-General, he faces challenges from the pirates and the law. The operetta is known for its humorous dialogue, catchy songs, and themes of duty and love, making it a beloved classic in the world of musical theater.