Society’s production of `Iolanthe’ proves part opera, part circus

If you have plans to do anything this weekend, try to get out of it. Films, bean suppers, night skiing — just politely cancel. Instead, go to the Grand in Ellsworth and see “Iolanthe,” this year’s winter offering by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Hancock County.

It may change your life. It certainly changed the life — or rather the clothes of Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who appeared on the bench earlier this year adorned with four gold stripes on each sleeve of his black robe. Later, he admitting to designing it after the one worn by the Lord Chancellor in a local production of “Iolanthe.”

As performed by Hancock County’s award-winning group, this “Iolanthe” (pronounced EYE-oh-LANTH-ee) is part opera, part circus. Part “Romeo and Juliet,” part Monty Python. But mostly, it’s a whole lot of satirical, phantasmagorical fun.

Set in an idyllic village of fairies “tripping hither, tripping thither,” the story takes flight when Iolanthe, banished from her dancing fairy troupe for committing the revolutionary crime of marrying a mortal, is pardoned by the Fairy Queen. After she rises from her watery prison deep within a stream, Iolanthe reveals her son, Strephon, an Arcadian shepherd, who is a fairy from the waist up and human from the waist down.

At the present time, Strephon has a very human preoccupation: he is in love with Phyllis, a 100-percent human shepherdess and ward of the Lord Chancellor, who has his own designs on the young girl.

But despite any other offers and gifts — such as those made by the entire House of Lords — Phyllis professes love to Strephon — that is, until she sees him embracing the fairy, Iolanthe. Phyllis does not know of Strephon’s fairy past and since Iolanthe, who is centuries old, appears as a 17-year-old girl, Phyllis rejects Strephon’s explanation that Iolanthe is his mother.

What ensues is a twisty Gilbert and Sullivan plot that mixes high wit with grand music. Under the direction of longtime G&S-er Dede Johnson, “Iolanthe” is a winning production that will make you appreciate live theater more than ever. There’s spectacle, pyrotechnics, and singing voices that range from very good to excellent. There’s local color — including references to Moody’s Diner and Gov. Angus King. And there are the 69 performers, who make up the largest cast the Society has had in its 19-year history, fill more than just the stage. The principals take hold of their roles with solid good humor and skill. Particularly notable are Ginger S. Cunningham, as the Fairy Queen, and John M. Cunningham, as Private Willis of the Scots Guards. A couple in real life who get to go ga-ga for each other onstage (and who met while performing in “The Mikado” in 1988), these two performers are a pure celebration of Gilbert and Sullivan-style theatricality. (Don’t forget to look at the Maine-made garnishings on the queen’s scepter — a testament to good ol’ Yankee resourcefulness there.)

As Iolanthe, Valeria LaPointe shows off her lovely voice and her increasingly satisfying stage presence. Francis John Vogt, as Strephon, skips through his role with the alacrity of a lad in love and ready to sing (and beautifully) about it. Even though Sara Schneider brings way too many 20th century mannerisms to the part of Phyllis, her voice has a bell-like clarity that is surely touched by a drop of fairy magic.

Lively, limber, flayboyant, Roland Dube, as the Lord Chancellor, is one of the dependable treasures of this troupe. He’s a star that never outshines his welcome, and a real bright spot in an already shining cast.

The chorus is bounding, booming collection of voices and antics. You can’t always make out their words en masse, but these folks are right on into their roles. The entrance of the men’s chorus, and accompanying Rockettes-style lineup, will take your breath away. Such activity, choreographed by Don Grieco, Dede Johnson and Judy Savage, and colorfully designed by a large group of costumers, is the centerpiece of the show.

John Mallery Haskell decently conducts the live orchestra, which includes a visit from the Northern Border Caledonia Pipe Band.

The worst anyone could say about the show is that the lyrics sometimes get garbled or lost somewhere between the fly space and the orchestra pit. But most anyone will tell you it always helps to know the lyrics before going to a Gilbert and Sullivan production.

In August, the cast is taking the show to the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton, England, to defend its titles of “Best Overseas Company” and “International Festival Winner.” Clearly, they have a good shot at winning.

“Iolanthe” will be performed 8 p.m. Feb. 10 and 11, and 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at The Grand in Ellsworth. For tickets, call 667-9500.