The Midlands Light Opera Society is set to enchant audiences with Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved operetta, Iolanthe, from September 27 to 29. Performances will take place at 7:30 PM on both the 27th and 28th, with a matinee at 3 PM on the 29th. All shows will be held in Bennett Hall at First Christian Church, located at 2062 N Beltline Boulevard in Columbia. Attendees can enter through the double doors under the driveway.
The story unfolds with the Queen of the Fairies, played by Felicia Torres, who pardons Iolanthe (portrayed by Evelyn Clary), a fairy exiled for 25 years due to her marriage to a mortal. Iolanthe spent her time banished at the bottom of a pond to be close to her half-fairy, half-mortal son, Strephon (played by Terry Artis). Strephon is engaged to Phyllis (played by Christi Pirkle), a ward of the court, requiring the Lord Chancellor (played by Roddey Smith) to give consent for their marriage. However, the Lord Chancellor has his own romantic interests in Phyllis, as do Lord Tolloller (played by Nikki Anderson) and Lord Montararat (played by Ben Palmer).
The fairies, led by Leila (Stephanie Villamizar), Celia (Shelby Sessler), and Fleta (Amy Thomasson), rally to help Strephon win Phyllis’s hand. Meanwhile, Private Willis (Andrew Skaggs) tries to maintain order as family secrets surface and the fairies meddle in politics. Rounding out the cast is an all-ages chorus of fairies and peers, featuring Sophia Almeida, Lilith Clary, Mark Foil, Kim Foil, Harmony Hayslette, Julie Lumpkin, Alex Mabrey, Janice Boan Mabrey, Maria Martinez, Sara Martinez, Ashley Mize, and William Thomasson.
The production is helmed by director Roddey Smith, with musical accompaniment by Ashleigh Morse and musical direction by Ronnie Wise. Costumes are designed by Susan Scaccia, with stage management by Hollie Smith and choreography by Leighton Mount. The production is produced by Evelyn Clary.
“Even though this work premiered in 1882, the show is still captivating audiences. The tunes are catchy, people love fairies, and everyone likes to poke fun at politicians,” said Roddey Smith. “This is a true community production,” Clary noted. “It’s delightful to witness the diversity of talent. We have cast members who are professionals, those returning after a break, and newcomers, all working together harmoniously.”
Tickets are priced at $10 for seniors (65+) and students, and $15 for all others. Tickets can be purchased with cash or check at the door, or online with a $1 processing fee for card purchases at the door. For online ticket purchases, visit Zeffy.
The Midlands Light Opera Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For additional information and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, visit Midlands Light Opera.
