The strong and lively ensemble cast delights with the score (one of Sullivan’s finest), but the dancing troupe of fairies (each fairy shows unique manifestations of fey vibrations) often steals the show–whether “tripping hither, tripping thither” (as they sing) less than perfectly or just being present, they supply constant amusement. Local references add to the fun too. At one point there’s a nod to Opera Cleveland’s last production when another cast member tells a hysterical soprano that she’s “no Lucia.” Director Steven Daigle and choreographer Carol Hageman, along with the orchestra led by Steven Byess, have created a special summer magic worth the drive to Wooster.
Photo from Iolanthe, which features (from left) The Lord Chancellor (James Mismas), Iolanthe (Tania Mandzy), and the Queen of the Faires (Alta Danzler).
Laura Kennelly is a freelance arts journalist, a member of the Music Critics Association of North America, and an associate editor of BACH, a scholarly journal devoted to J. S. Bach and his circle.
Listening to and learning more about music has been a life-long passion. She knows there’s no better place to do that than the Cleveland area.