Gilbert & Sullivan: Iolanthe

Gilbert and Sullivan's satiric operetta is translated into modern times in this video, which records a performance of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 1984 production of the show. Iolanthe is a fairy who dared to marry a mortal man; banished from the dominion of the magical creatures, Iolanthe was forced to leave her husband and raised her son, Strephon, on her own. Years later, Strephon has fallen in love with Phyllis, whose guardian is the Lord Chancellor of the Court of Chancery. Phyllis is also enamoured of Strephon, but since he earns his living as a lowly sheep herder, the Lord Chancellor opposes their marriage. Wanting her son to be happy, Iolanthe conspires with her fairy friends to overcome the Lord Chancellor's opposition, but this leads to even further complications. Noted classical vocalist Maureen Forrester stars as the Queen of the Fairies. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi