Iolanthe or, The Peer and the Peri

media release:  The Madison Savoyards, Ltd. proudly announces their 2025 summer production: Gilbert & Sullivan’s enchanting comic opera, Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri. This spirited satire of politics, romance, and law will grace the stage of the Bartell Theatre in downtown Madison from August 1-10, 2025. Performances August 1, 8 at 7:30pm and August 2, 3, 9, 10 at 3:00pm

Set in a world where fairies and Parliament collide, Iolanthe follows the story of a fairy who breaks the law by marrying a mortal. Twenty-five years later, her son—half-mortal, half-fairy—falls in love with a mortal woman. That too is a crime punishable by death. As tensions rise, Iolanthe takes a daring stand to challenge tradition and protect her son’s future.

With its effervescent score and razor-sharp wit, Iolanthe skewers the British aristocracy, lampoons government bureaucracy, and slyly nods to Queen Victoria and Prime Minister William Gladstone. The production brings together a remarkable cast of singers and musicians for a delightfully irreverent experience the whole family can enjoy.

Don’t miss this iconic blend of farce and fantasy from the beloved duo behind The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore.

By Arthur Sullivan & W.S. Gilbert

Director J. Michael Bruno

Music Director Christopher Ramaekers

Performed on the Drury Stage

Free Children’s Pre-show August 2 1:00pm

Youth are invited to join us on Saturday, August 2 at 1:00 for a pre-show event for children of all ages (particularly 4+). We’ll unwind Gilbert’s twisting words, make sense of Sullivan’s music, and quiz some of this cast of characters, all while getting a behind-the-scenes preview of what’s to come in the matinee that afternoon! This event will run 45 minutes, and is free and open to the public.