'Pirates of Penzance' on stage at Franklin Opera House on Saturday

Beginning their new 2009-10 season under the moniker of its new organizational name, Middle New Hampshire Arts & Entertainment Center, or “The Middle” for short, the Franklin Opera House will host (somewhat ironically) The Lakes Region Opera Company in the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, "The Pirates of Penzance" on Saturday July 11 at 7:30 p.m..

While The Middle’s new Season has an exciting line-up of shows from myriad genres, and strives to have something for everyone, they’re happy to start the new season with an opera. Says Jim Hamel, executive director of The Middle, “Despite the organizational name change, the Franklin Opera House will always be the Opera House for many locally, and that’s fine, but for this show, at least, it’s indeed still an opera house!”

"The Pirates of Penzance" offers audiences an entertaining evening of song and adventure complete with sword fights, young lovers, and lots of laughter. “If you love opera, this is a classic you’re sure to enjoy,” says Jane Cormier, artistic director of the Lakes Region Opera Company. “If you’ve never been to an opera, or have always thought opera hard to understand, this is a great show to debunk your fears.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.theMiddleNH.org or by phone at 934-1901. Tickets are $15 each.

To learn more about The Lakes Region Opera Company, go to www.lakesregionopera.com

The Middle New Hampshire Arts & Entertainment Center is located in the historic Franklin Opera House at 316 Central Street in Franklin. A nonprofit organization founded in 2000, The Middle’s mission is to nourish the soul; to indulge the human spirit; and to be the destination for distinctive, quality arts and entertainment for middle New Hampshire.