Word: strephon
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...plot (surprise, surprise) revolves around the competition between a likable but apparently low-born shepherd Strephon (Arthur Fuscaldo), who happens to be a fairy from the waist up, and therefore immortal, yet insufficiently prestigious to vie with the rapacious royals for the fair Phyllis' (Laurie Myers) hand in marriage...
Indeed, the tricky peers try to scuttle Strephon's bid for Phyllis' hand by catching him cuddling his mother Iolanthe (Marybeth Ahern) who, being a fairy, still seems to be a 17-year-old girl. He certainly looked guilty of cavorting with another woman, (or worse, committing a statutory offense...
Although Gilbert was a bit skimpy on the lead roles, the players are very good. Marybeth Ahern sings a stunning Iolanthe, Arthur Fuscaldo is an endearing and appropriately cute Strephon, and Laurie Myers carries a charmingly coquettish Phyllis with just enough sexual verve to justify the Peers' lascivious looks...
...fairy queen controls the fate of all the characters, reprieving Iolanthe, helping Strephon rewin his beloved Phyllis, and letting love conquer laws and regulations. And Nan Hughes' Queen stands out with her rich voice and majestic stage presence, ultimately enabling all to live happily ever after...
...Kelly's Strephon is a better actor than singer, most likely because his voice seemed strained from too many performances. His excellent portrayal of the confusion of being half-mortal and half-fairy is most poignant as he croons for his bellowed, shepherdess. Phyllis, Julis Friedi's Iolanthe is delightful, although she spends little time on stage. When she does appear, her rough also blasts out, revealing an unusual voice that contrasts well with the others...