Iolanthe

June 11 - 21, 2009

Austin Gilbert & Sullivan devotees were entranced by the Summer 2009 Grand Production of Iolanthe; or, the Peer and the Peri - with nine performances by a sparkling cast and orchestra, June 11-21. This fanciful comedy, considered by many to combine Sullivan's finest opera compositions with another of Gilbert's comic plots and his witty and waggish dialogue, delighted patrons of all ages.

Iolanthe ("eye-oh-LAN-thee") presented a topsy-turvy love story involving fairies and members of the House of Lords - a political fairy tale that only Gilbert & Sullivan could conceive.

Artistic Director Ralph MacPhail, Jr. and Music Director Jeffrey Jones-Ragona once again presented an unforgettable Gilbert & Sullivan classic musical comedy, with one of Sir Arthur Sullivan's most beautiful scores along with rousing choruses.

Beautiful costuming and set design transported audiences to a colorful fairyland - where British noblemen encountered lovelorn fairies from a golden glen - followed by these immortal beings invading the Houses of Parliament in London - with Big Ben chiming in the havoc. Tantantara! Tzing, boom!

Performances were held at the Travis High School Performing Arts Center. The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin thanks all the performers, the Gillman Light Opera Orchestra, sponsors, volunteers, and Society members for making this year's show a treasure to behold.

First performed in 1882, Iolanthe is one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s fourteen musicals, and is universally regarded as one of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s most beautiful scores - a high water mark in terms of music, wit, cleverness, and color.

Congratulations to Artistic Director Ralph and Arthur DiBianca for their B. Iden Payne Award nominations. Ralph was nominated in the Outstanding Dance Choreographer category, while Arthur - The Lord Chancellor - was nominated as Outstanding Featured Actor in Music Theater.

Reviews

Austin American-Statesman
Austin Chronicle

Media

Press release
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