SAUGUS ? Ahoy Mates! The Theatre Company of Saugus is launching its production of “The Pirates of Penzance” this weekend.The Gilbert and Sullivan musical is a rollicking tale of Frederic, who as a child was apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates by his nurse, who had mistaken her master’s instructions to apprentice the boy to a pilot. When he turns 21, Frederic announces he is free to return to respectable society. But much to his chagrin Frederic was born on Feb. 29 in leap year so Frederic is bound to the pirates, who are a quirky but loveable lot. Romance, intrigue and a little bit of treachery make this a delightful family friendly show that is not to be missed. The bonds of duty have never been presented with such wacky delight as in the popular two-act comic opera has been a hit with audiences since 1879. It includes the memorable musical numbers: “Poor Wandering One”, “I Am A Very Model of a Modern Major-General”, “A Rollicking Band of Pirates We”, as well as 21 other numbers.Producer Joanne Fafard said the the band of pirates is not unlike the production company ? it’s about friendships, bonding and family.?I would like to say this voyage has been interesting to say the least,” Fafard said. “We have had so much fun rehearsing and have really grown together as a family not just a bunch of people working together on a show..”The show is directed by Leo Nickole, with music direction by Richard DeMone, choral direction by Nancy Lemoine, and choreography by Terrie Bater.?Our director has so much talent and experience he’s incredible,” Fafard said. “I am always amazed and sometimes shocked at the fact that his idea’s and concepts always bring an incredible production.”Cast members include Frank Arsenault, David Colpitts, Matt Huffman, Sean Waple, William Waple, and James Wlodyka as the band of pirates, who are led by their Pirate King played by Brian Dion. Nancy Lemoine is the pirates’ maid Ruth, and Brian Cipoletta plays Frederic. Bob Russell is the major general and Sarah Berggren plays his daughter Mabel. Amanda Allen, Alexis Fafard, Ashleigh Fafard, Carolina Lanney, Tanya Portalla, and Lauren Robinson play his other daughters. Other cast members include Joanne Fafard, Tom Knowlton, Elissa O’Donnell, Jillian-Rae Santosuosso, Jessica Stockton and Mike Sakovich.The production will be onstage at the Belmonte Middle School on Dow Street in Saugus. Performances are scheduled on Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and there will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Additional performances are scheduled on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m.Tickets, which are available at the door, are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and free for children under 12.