Wagner College Theatre's IOLANTHE Opens Tonight

The award-winning Wagner College Theatre presents a reimagined production of Gilbert & Sullivan's topsy-turvy musical Iolanthe from February 24-March 6, 2016 in the Main Hall Theatre.

Iolanthe features book and lyrics by W. S. Gilbert and music by Arthur Sullivan (the 19th Century forefathers of modern musical comedy). WCT Dance Head Rusty Curcio (WCT's Cats, The Goddess Wheel) is director and choreographer. Dr. Joan Melton, noted vocal coach for musical theatre training, specializing in 20th Century music, is music director. WCT's Dr. Lauri Young will conduct a quintet of musicians.

First performed in 1882, Iolanthe (pronounced "eye-oh-LAN-thee") is one of Gilbert & Sullivan's fourteen musicals, (including The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, and HMS Pinafore) and is universally regarded as one of Arthur Sullivan's most beautiful scores - a high water mark in terms of music, wit, cleverness, and color - with choruses, patter songs, solos and orchestrations. Sullivan's captivating score, unmistakably influenced by classical music composers Felix Mendelssohn and Richard Wagner, contains some of his most accomplished and beautiful music.

Director/Choreographer Rusty Curcio sets his version of Iolanthe as a magical romp in 1920's Washington, D.C. as the Fairies (known in the script as the Peris) meet members of Congress (known in the script as the Peers). The production sparkles with romance, fairy mischief, a Chief Justice, and a legal system that is turned upside-down by meddling sprites who inspire the question, 'To which Party do you belong? Liberal? Conservative? Or Fairy?'

Wagner College Theatre's production features Lauren Dennis (Iolanthe), Addi Berry (Phyllis), Becca Barrett (Queen), Joe O'Malley (Chief Justice), Nicholas Barakos (Strephon), Dean Marino (Moutararat), Joshua Sottile (Tolloller), Maria Salerno (Celia), Taylor Baskin (Leila), Natalie Schaffer (Felta), Matthew Drinkwater (Agent Smith 1), and John Drinkwater (Agent Smith 2). The ensemble features Bobbi Barricella, Gabriella Baker, Jasmine Canziani, Eric Elson, Ryan Garbee, Gregory Ippolito, Dana Kluczyk, Megan Lione, Nick Mestakides, Emma Pittman, Chris Rucci, Carolyn Savoia, Mari Skoultchi, Clint Maddox Thompson, Garrett Toole, Gabriel Trimbur, and Chris Zika.

The creative team includes Vicki Neal (scenic design), Martha Bromelmeier (costume design), Phill Hickox (lighting design), Richard Kroth (sound design), and Joanna Catalano (hair and make-up design). Amanda Taylor ('16) is production stage manager with Alec Reiss as Assistant Director.

Wagner College Theatre has presented Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance (1984, 2003), The Mikado (1994, 2008) on the Mainstage.

Performances of Iolanthe are Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Saturday at 2pm; added Sunday matinee March 6 at 2pm. Located in Main Hall, the Wagner College Theatre box office can be contacted at (718) 390-3259 or boxoffice@wagner.edu. Wagner College Theatre Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 12:00Noon-4:00pm. Single tickets are on sale with price ranges for children, senior and adult tickets. Wagner College students attend free with current ID.

Next on the Mainstage: Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk will stage that singular sensation A Chorus Line (April 13-24, 2016).

At Wagner College Theatre's Stage One continues with the world premiere of New York Lands (March 1-6, 2016), and The Dance Project (April 19-24, 2016).