5 Stars for The Real Gilbert and Sullivan
This review is mostly written for people who don't know "Iolanthe" because over here in America the musical isn't very famous and is seldom put on. I only learned about it myself by accident several years ago when it was produced by a local college in my area. I went to see it without knowing anything about it nor even having heard anything about it. I was bowled over by the genius of the music, comedy, story, humor and everything about this masterpiece as portrayed by the college music and drama students!
After seeing the play at the college, I started looking for CD music and VHS tapes and DVD's of Iolanthe. Apparently there are only TWO versions on video --- VHS or DVD---this one and one done in Canada by "The Stratford Festival Company". I have both of these. Is this one and the Stratford any good? Some reviewers apparently think not. But, the play---the words and music--- are "almost indestructable" in my humble opinion because of the genius of the two creators, Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Sullivan. Of course, the present versions----"they could be better" in this aspect or t'other. But, I am grateful that there are ANY video versions of this masterpiece available at all! Buy one or t'other of these...don't be too critical ("the glass is half full rather than half empty" type of attitude), listen to the music and the clever words, and I know you'll enjoy!
Afterword: One part of the musical play that I thought was especially funny and clever is the song, "Loudly Let The Trumpets Bray". This is the song and music when the arrogant lords, who are really silly things, come arrogantly marching on stage with their Beefeater Costumes and their noses arrogantly in the air. As they march on stage they sing: "Bow ye tradesmen bow ye masses, bow ye lower middle classes." They are acting as though they are "superior" to these "masses" thus telling the masses to bow to them---the Lords of The House of Lords. And, of course, these "noble lords" are actually very silly and stupid! The effect of being told to "bow" to these silly guys is very funny I assure you! :o) Email Boland7214@aol.co