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Reviews
Iolanthe (1982)
Very enjoyable
This production of Iolanthe was one of a series produced by the same people.
I liked it a lot, despite the use of some "special effects" that are supposed to be magical and fairy-like and which look, after 25 years, rather dated. This is probably because of the lively performances of the leading members of the cast.
The first-act finale was great, and the nightmare song in the second act was handled in an interesting way that worked pretty well. However, "If you go in," the famous trio that follows it, looked awkward. At least until they all got going and the joy of the music outweighed the strange staging.
All in all, it was a very entertaining performance.
Trial by Jury (1984)
G & S with extra padding
This version of Gilbert and Sullivan's Trial By Jury is one of a series produced by the same people. It's a good introduction to the work for anyone who wants to see it in performance.
Because this is only a one-act operetta, however, the producers have padded it out with an extra "opening sequence," and additional silent roles are used to extend the work a little. The DVD also contained Sullivan's "Cox and Box," which I have not viewed.
I felt that some parts were played differently than I had imagined them as I listened to my CD version. The Learned Judge does a kind of Rex Harrison speak-singing thing which works with the character well enough. And I thought there should have been a more spirited exchange between Angelina and the Defendant when she sings, "I love him, I love him, with fervour unceasing." The addition of Miss Ann Other (a silent role, not contemplated by W.S. Gilbert) and of a Skivvy or cleaning woman (ditto ditto), were surprising but worked out okay.
The Yeomen of the Guard (1982)
Good overall
Although I wished it had included all of the songs from the opera, this production was still a good way to get acquainted with the "Yeomen of the Guard." The sets and costumes were very well-done. Missing from this performance were both of Fairfax's solos, as well as "when a wooer goes a-wooing", "strange adventure" and the duet "Rapture, rapture."
Joel Gray is a very nimble Jack Point. My favorite portrayal was Alfred Marks as Wilfrid Shadbolt. His duet with Gray, "hereupon we've both agreed," was my favorite number. Elizabeth Gale made a very touching Elsie, singing with a lot of emotion. Fairfax did the most he could with his role, considering both of his solos were left out.