Quote of the Day: Iolanthe is truly a unique tale. The narrative dazzles with images of idyllic, pastoral love, ancient magic, and fairies, as well as an industrialized Britain comfortably enjoying the zenith of its storied empire. Michelle Schwantes, director of Iolanthe, a Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (GSVLOC) production, on stage now through November 23, 2025 at The Conn Theater inside the Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, MN.

It’s always a treat to attend one of GSVLOC’s productions. While Iolanthe might not be as well known as Pirates of Penzance, it is filled with light and love and gorgeous music, making the trip into the city a worthwhile one. It’s tradition to attend these performances with my sister Joy, and we always have a lovely time. 

Mike Tober as Strephon, Therese Kulas as Phylis, and Eric Sorum as The Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe a GSVLOC production, thru 11/23/25. Photo: Stephen Hage

The setting for Iolanthe is a forest where the fairies live. The Chorus of Fairies are from the four elements: Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. They are represented by the women’s chorus with three or four women in each group. Their costumes (designed by Bronson Talcott) are colorful and fun. The Air fairies wear white with bubbles attached to their costumes. The Water fairies have shimmering aqua blue and green dresses. The Fire fairies wear vibrant red and orange, and the Earth fairies wear green with ivy. Hannah Pantano plays Iolanthe, the main fairy who is the mother of Strephon. She is old but has eternal beauty, as all fairies do. Lara Trujillo is stunning, as always, as the Queen of the Fairies.

Eric Sorum as The Lord Chancellor and Lara Trujillo as Queen of the Fairies in Iolanthe, a GSVLOC production, thr 11/23/25. Photo: Stephen Hage

Therese Kulas was absolutely darling as Phyllis, an Arcadian Shepherdess and ward in Chancery, who falls in love with Iolanthe’s son Strephon (Mike Tober) who is half fairy and half human. Kulas has a gorgeous soprano voice that floats effortlessly up to the rafters. Then, when you think she’s reached her top, she gives you one more glorious note. What a beautiful gift her voice is. She is matched by Mike Tober’s sweet voice and playful character. 

Eric Sorum as The Lord Chancellor and Hannah Pantano as Iolanthe in Iolanthe, a GSVLOC production, thru 11/23/25. Photo: Stephen Hage

Eric Sorum comes in strong as The Lord Chancellor. He killed it in his fast-paced solo. The men’s chorus brings in a full sound. Their costumes are all royal capes and dignified black – until the end of the show. (Fun costuming choices there, but I’m not going to spoil the effect for you.) They all look like they’re having so much fun on stage. While you might not catch every word that comes at you fast and furious from a Gilbert & Sullivan performance, you can still sit back and enjoy the entertainment of it and listen to the gorgeous music.

Mike Tober as Strephon and Therese Kulas as Phyllis in Iolanthe, a GSVLOC production, thru 11/23/25. Photo: Stephen Hage

All G&S shows have similar plotlines: a young woman and a young man fall in love, but there are complications, class struggles, misunderstandings, entanglements, silly antics, and a moment where all the ridiculous barriers are dropped and they all live happily ever after. It’s the kind of story that is sweet escape. Add to that the gorgeous score and the tremendously talented singers that the GSVLOC attracts. Live orchestra on stage (behind the curtain) under the direction of Randal A. Buikema are always outstanding. I’m thrilled with how many wonderful musicians they employ. I like how they staged Iolanthe. Lydia Francis is the set designer and artist of this marvelous set with many lovely details. Great lighting effects by Carl Schoenborn, making many magical moments come alive. 

You can see Iolanthe by the GSVLOC through Nov. 23, 2025 at The Conn Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Please visit the GSVLOC’s website for tickets and showtimes. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What’s your favorite fairytale?