Quote of the Day: Whatever you are, be that. line by Mr. Goldbury in Gilbert & Sullivan’s Utopia, Limited, produced by the Twin Cities’ Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (GSVLOC), directed by Maureen Kane Berg, at the Howard Conn Theater at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, MN through March 24, 2024.

Gilbert & Sullivan’s Utopia, Limited is one of their lesser known light operas, but it’s filled with their signature quirky characters, lively staging, and faced-paced lyrics. It’s set on an island, a Utopia, populated by descendants of England, several generations ago. Although the original script is somewhat progressive for its times, Princess Zara returns from studying abroad with a college degree and is interested in improving the conditions for people on her island, there were still a few things that needed revising. The GSVLOC has created a newly revised version of this delightful operetta. 

In a statement from GSVLOC: Our production will be a world premiere of an adaptation that we will share freely with other Gilbert and Sullivan companies that might be considering staging the show. It is our hope that our adaptation will make it possible for Utopia, Limited to become an operetta that is performed far more regularly by companies around the world.

Josh Zapata-Palmer and Mary Kettlewell as Captain Fitzbattleaxe and Princess Zara in GSVLOC’s production of Utopia, Limited. Photo: Stephen Hage

When we first walked into the theater, we felt the tropical glow of the lovely set (design by Lydia Francis and Sophie Pfluger). The ladies wear summer dresses with flouncy taffeta underlayers in floral patterns. The guys wear either short-sleeved shirts or uniforms, and suits. Costumes by Portinga and Andrea Gross are darling and put us right in the mood for a sweet show set in a warm climate, with a nod to the 1960’s “Mad Men” era. 

Tom Berg, Scott Benson and Joe Andrews as Colin Scaphio, Thomas Tarara, and Henry Phantis in GSVLOC’s production of Utopia, Limited. Photo: Stephen Hage

Gilbert & Sullivan like to poke fun at themselves and reference their own work. They even have a funny line in one of the songs about only doing Gilbert & Sullivan shows. We caught a few of the references to Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore (recently done by GSVLOC), and they even had props from Pinafore in the end scene. This show is a bit about politics and governing the island. The two older men, Colin Scaphio, (Tom Berg) and Henry Phantis (Joe Andrews) are Judges of the Utopian Supreme Court. They are looking to gain power and think they need to do so by marrying Princess Zara. She has other plans that include making up her own mind, helping the people, and marrying the man of her choosing. I enjoyed the Scaphio and Phantis scenes, their zippy lyrics and playful choreography as they argued about who should marry Zara.

Mary Kettlewell plays Princess Zara, and Josh Zapata-Palmer plays her love interest Captain Arthur Fitzbattleaxe (fun name). They have a lovely blend to their voices. One of my favorite scenes was their duet where he sings to her in the garden. Just as he’s hitting his impressive high notes, something funny happens. They both played their parts very well.

Mallory Rabehl and Ella Rose Katzenberger as Princess Natasha and Princess Katherine in GSVLOC’s production of Utopia, Limited. Photo: Stephen Hage

Zara has some fun interaction with her younger sisters Natasha (Mallory Rabehl) and Katherine (Ella Rose Katzenberger) and their governess Lady Sophy (Lara Trujillo). They were all so expressive and fun to watch. Zara also bring the “Flowers of Progress,” her helpers, to the island. Joe Allen is Mr. Goldbury. Jacob Koshiol as Captain Corcoran, K.C. B. Jeff Erickson is Sir Bailey Barre, and Kelly Danger is Mrs. Blushington. Waldyn Benbeneck plays King Nigel Paramount, King of Utopia (always a delight to hear and see). They also have a large ensemble cast who play the islanders, soldiers, First Life Guardsmen, lifeguards and friends. I love it when they’re all on stage, filling the small auditorium with their big, beautiful voices.

Waldyn Benbenek and Lara Trujillo as King Nigel Paramount and Lady Sophy in GSVLOC’s production of Utopia, Limited. Photo: Stephen Hage

Randal A. Buikema once again directs the orchestra for the GSVLOC production. It really enhances the experience to have a full orchestra providing the music, and they were wonderful. Lighting Design by Carl Schoenborn. Choreography by Penelope Freeh. It is always a delight to attend a performance by GSVLOC. The material is light and fun. The characters charming and quirky, and the lyrics fast-paced and breath-taking. Add in the tremendous talent of classically trained musicians in the Twin Cities, and you have a wonderful night of entertainment. It’s tradition for my sister Joy and I to attend these performances together, making it a fun sister night out, as well. Shout out to my friend Justin Cervantes, in the chorus and one of the funny life guards at the end. You, and the entire cast and crew and musicians were outstanding. I look forward to The Mikado, coming in the Fall of 2024.

You can see this fun romp through the island, Utopia, Limited, by the Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company through March 24, 2024. The Howard Conn Theater is located in the Plymouth Congregation Church, where you can find free parking. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you ever been to a tropical island? Where? When? Do you have entertainment traditions with any friends or siblings?