MovieChat Forums > The Pirates of Penzance Discussion > Pirate Tony Azito?

Pirate Tony Azito?

posted 18 years ago by elshaque
4 replies | jump to latest

I have watched this movie dozens of times and lately, and I have been noticing one pirate in particular during Act One. He has a similar build and moves like Tony Azito and disappears by Act Two, when he would have to play the Sergeant. Am I just imagining this, or is it really him?

During the first song, he is one of the pirates standing on the props on the back of the stage; this is where he is really moving like Tony Azito. Then at the beginning of the Pirate King song, he is the one of the pirates holding the Pirate King up (Kevin Kline is sitting on his hands). He is also in the bottom right corner when the Pirate King says that there isn't one pirate there who would want to take Ruth from Frederic. He is also in the other scenes with pirates in Act One, but the camera doesn't show him very often.

He isn't credited as a pirate anywhere, so I was wondering if anyone knew for sure if he did or didn't do it or if someone else can see what I am seeing.

[–] TimmyAnn 18 years ago

I haven't seen this version, but I have seen the 1983 movie version which seems to have much the same cast (I'm officially confused now!!). I do know that when the play is performed on stage the pirates and cops are often (that's often, not orphan) played by the same group of actors, so you definitely may be right.

________________________________________
These are my friends, Bob & Creepy. Can we have a moment of your time?

[–] gxk-1 14 years ago

The 1983 movie only used Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, Rex Smith, George Rose, & Tony Azito. All the rest of the cast were English actors lip syncing to our voices.

[–] mioutx 16 years ago

Elshaque, I think you are 100% correct. I've just been watching it (the 1980's TV version) and that IS Tony Azito. Good catch! How wonderful to have even more opportunity of seeing such a great performer.

[–] gxk-1 14 years ago

Yes, in Central Park Tony Azito doubled as a pirate in Act I. For the Broadway production they added a few more cast members. I was hired to replace what Tony did in Act I including the Pirate King lift, then sang in an off stage booth for most of Act II. They also added understudies and swings.