A Mighty Maiden With a Mission

Princess Ida

As Lindsey Baer, the talented musical director and orchestra conductor of PRINCESS IDA, launches into the operetta’s rousing Overture, theatergoers are treated to an informative dramatic prologue to the story. Director Kingsley Day’s delightful production cleverly begins with a pantomime depicting Ida, as a little girl. After she gleefully discovers some books, discarded by her three doofus brothers, young Ida resigns herself to the bad behavior of the young men. This ingenious opening scene lays the ground for who the Princess will ultimately become as an adult: a “Mighty Maiden With a Mission.” 

This is Gilbert and Sullivan’s longest operetta, told in three acts. It satirizes the never-ending war between the sexes, the attempt at a fearless feminist movement, the education of women and the questioning of prearranged marriages. The operetta is based upon a farce written by Gilbert in 1870, as well as Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s narrative poem, “The Princess.” Gilbert’s libretto for the operetta is also unique because he wrote the dialogue completely in free verse.

The story of PRINCESS IDA, which is detailed in the printed program, is fairly simple and straightforward. As a mere babe, Ida was betrothed to marry Prince Hilarion, the son of King Hildebrand. When Princess Ida grew into adulthood, she chose instead to withdraw from the world of men and women. Her father, King Gama, gave his daughter the freedom to make her own choices. Clearly influenced by the macho behavior and buffoonery of her three doltish brothers, Ida established a school of higher learning for young women at Castle Adamant. Rather like a cult, the education of her female students banned men, shunned anything written by or about men, and brainwashed the young ladies to fear and despise the entire male sex. Princess Ida took the role of academy Principal, with Lady Blanche teaching abstract science and Lady Psyche instructing in the humanities. 

As Act I opens, it’s the day when Gama and his four grown children are expected to arrive at King Hildebrand’s Court. This was the date that his daughter, Princess Ida, would unite in marriage with his friend’s son, Prince Hilarion. But when the young Prince learns that his pretty bride-to-be has locked herself away from the world at Castle Adamant, he asks his two friends, Cyril and Florian, to join him in trying to convince Princess Ida to marry him. Until Hilarion returns with Princess Ida, however, King Hildebrand vows to keep Arac, Guron and Scynthius, Ida’s brothers, as hostages.   

With this production of PRINCESS IDA, Kingsley Day, actor, playwright and director supreme, can boast that he’s now staged and guided seven G&S operettas for The Savoyaires. That’s more than any other previous director. His fine productions are always stellar and shine with Kingsley clarity and creativity. PRINCESS IDA is no exception. He’s assembled a most talented cast of trained singers, many who offer an exceptional gift for playing comedy. He’s also brought on board a staff of artists who would add beauty, realism and depth to his production.

Playing the title role, Annie Bennett returns to The Savoyaires to bring stature, strength and a lovely vocal quality to Princess Ida. She most recently played Mimi in LA BOHEME at Opera South East. Hilarion is portrayed by handsome, effortlessly talented Kasey Sliwinski, a multi-gifted young actor pursuing a Bachelor of Music at Roosevelt University’s CCPA. He graced the Chute stage in TRIAL BY JURY and THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD. I predict a magnificent career in either musical theater or opera for Kasey. The always wonderful character actress and vocalist, Kara Chandler, gives Lady Blanche the same kind of depth and dimension that she infused into her past portrayals of Ruth, Buttercup, Pitti-Sing, and countless other G&S women. Ms. Chandler’s rendition of “Come, mighty Must!” provides one of the musical highlights of Act II.

The two kings entertained the audience. The brilliant comedian and character vocalist, Henry Michael Odum, gives a masterful performance as Gama. If Mr. Odum looks familiar, he headlined with The Savoyaires as Ko-Ko, in THE MIKADO, and more recently in City Lit’s exciting premiere of SCARAMOUCHE. Bill Chamberlain, seen at Theo Ubique in THE SECRET GARDEN is strong as Hildebrand, although he’s sometimes difficult to hear or understand, in his lower register.

Hilarious’s two best buddies, Cyril (a very funny Jonathon Joseph Larson) and Florian (played by terrific triple-threat, Orlando Shelly), add so much humor to this production. And Gama’s three warrior sons, Scynthius (played by Jacob Rodgers), Guron (portrayed by Jacob Dorris in his Savoyaires debut), and Arac (beautifully embodied by lanky Matt Hauser, a magnetic and most excellent actor/singer), provide plenty of comedy as they clank around in their suits of armor. Mega talented Mary Buckingham expertly plays Lady Psyche with plenty of power and passion. To her performance she brings two music degrees and a long resume of opera experience. Melissa, nicely played by Katarina Bakas, is winsome and humorous in creating Lady Blanche’s daughter. And last, but not least, The Savoyaires productions wouldn’t be nearly as dynamic without the collective talent brought by the large chorus of men and women. As staged by Kingsley Day, musically directed by Lindsey Baer and choreographed by Britta Schied, the ensemble always support the leading characters and bring all kinds of fun and feeling to PRINCESS IDA.

The Savoyaires is a community theater devoted to producing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Over six decades of operetta productions, the company has delivered many excellent performances of all fourteen G&S operettas—several of them multiple times. This year’s offering, PRINCESS IDA, is a comic operetta that pokes fun at feminism, among other ideas. Although musical purists consider Arthur Sullivan’s score to be among his finest compositions, W.S. Gilbert’s libretto is often debated has sometimes been labeled a problem piece. It’s a clever, challenging and almost three hours long (consider bringing a seat cushion with you), but the reward is a bouncy, brilliant score performed by a talented cast and a Mighty Maid With a Mission.     

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 2-11 by The Savoyaires at Chute Auditorium, 1400 Oakton Street, Evanston.

Tickets are available at the door, by calling 847-563-0155 or by going to www.savoyaires.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions may be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.

Photos are by Laura Bennett