Act I
On a ship in Her Majesty’s fleet, the sailors welcome a woman trying to sell wares. One of the sailors, Ralph Rackstraw, then reveals his love for the Captain’s daughter Josephine. Captain Corcoran then enters to greet his gallant crew. Following this, his daughter reveals to him that she has feelings for one of his crew but assures him she will not act on them. The ship springs to life in preparation for the arrival of Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty who is attended by an admiring hoard of ‘sisters, cousins, and aunts.’ After his introduction, Sir Joseph leaves an inspirational song of his own composition for the crew. This inspires Ralph, who decides to confess his love for Josephine, against the protestations of the spiteful Dick Deadeye. Josephine refuses him as, despite her protestations, she is destined for Sir Joseph. Ralph decides he must take his own life. In the last moment, he is stopped by a declaration of love. The two decide they will sneak ashore to be married that night.
Act II
Under the light of the moon, Captain Corcoran confesses his concerns about the crew. He is interrupted by Buttercup who warns of a prophetic change in store for him. Sir Joseph then enters and bemoans that Josephine has not yet accepted his proposal. Corcoran convinces Sir Joseph that it is merely his rank that she fears. When Josephine enters, the Lord of the Admiralty tells her that love can transcend all ranks. Ironically, this advice rids her of doubt regarding her impending wedding to Ralph. As the captain leaves, he is interrupted by Dick Deadeye who warns him of his daughter’s plot to sneak ashore. Corcoran promises retribution and both move to stop the couple from eloping. Following the captain’s interruption, the crew defends Ralph by saying he needs no other status of class other than being an Englishman. The captain then swears at Ralph only to be overheard by the horrified Sir Joseph, who commands he be taken to his cabin. After learning the reason for the captain’s distress, the admiral commands Ralph be taken to a cell. Buttercup then enters and informs the crew that she had taken care of both Corcoran and Ralph as children but had mistakenly switched them when returning them to their parents. Thus, the captain is stripped of class status and Ralph, now a part of high society, is permitted to marry Josephine.
On a ship in Her Majesty’s fleet, the sailors welcome a woman trying to sell wares. One of the sailors, Ralph Rackstraw, then reveals his love for the Captain’s daughter Josephine. Captain Corcoran then enters to greet his gallant crew. Following this, his daughter reveals to him that she has feelings for one of his crew but assures him she will not act on them. The ship springs to life in preparation for the arrival of Sir Joseph Porter, the First Lord of the Admiralty who is attended by an admiring hoard of ‘sisters, cousins, and aunts.’ After his introduction, Sir Joseph leaves an inspirational song of his own composition for the crew. This inspires Ralph, who decides to confess his love for Josephine, against the protestations of the spiteful Dick Deadeye. Josephine refuses him as, despite her protestations, she is destined for Sir Joseph. Ralph decides he must take his own life. In the last moment, he is stopped by a declaration of love. The two decide they will sneak ashore to be married that night.
Act II
Under the light of the moon, Captain Corcoran confesses his concerns about the crew. He is interrupted by Buttercup who warns of a prophetic change in store for him. Sir Joseph then enters and bemoans that Josephine has not yet accepted his proposal. Corcoran convinces Sir Joseph that it is merely his rank that she fears. When Josephine enters, the Lord of the Admiralty tells her that love can transcend all ranks. Ironically, this advice rids her of doubt regarding her impending wedding to Ralph. As the captain leaves, he is interrupted by Dick Deadeye who warns him of his daughter’s plot to sneak ashore. Corcoran promises retribution and both move to stop the couple from eloping. Following the captain’s interruption, the crew defends Ralph by saying he needs no other status of class other than being an Englishman. The captain then swears at Ralph only to be overheard by the horrified Sir Joseph, who commands he be taken to his cabin. After learning the reason for the captain’s distress, the admiral commands Ralph be taken to a cell. Buttercup then enters and informs the crew that she had taken care of both Corcoran and Ralph as children but had mistakenly switched them when returning them to their parents. Thus, the captain is stripped of class status and Ralph, now a part of high society, is permitted to marry Josephine.
