KU group to perform 'lolanthe'
By NILA WALKER Kansan Staff Writer
Comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan will entertain KU audiences again this year. The operas will be presented by a company of University students and faculty members organized last year by John B. Jones, acting assistant professor of English.
"Gilbert and Sullivan operas never seem dated," said Sandra Jones, wife and co-director of the group. "Gilbert's dialogue is still as funny or serious as when he created it. We didn't have to change or adapt any of the wording to make it understandable for contemporary audiences."
"Iolanthe," a story about the confrontation of Parliament by a band of fairies, will be the first opera presented this year. "Red-digore" will be presented second semester.
"I know the plot of 'Iolanthe' sounds ridiculous in 1969, but Gilbert was criticizing government which allows only persons of noble birth to rule. England still has a House of Nobles and thus the criticism is still relevant," Mrs. Jones said.
"Personally, I think this opera is better than "The Mikado," "H.M.S. Pinafore" or "The Pirates of Pinza," which are usually done. It's a delightful opera to see and to perform," she added.
Two sets will be constructed for the production by Leland D. Miller, professor of occupational therapy. One will be the Houses of Parliament at dusk and the other a forest scene.
"We visited London last summer," said Mrs, Jones, "and took several pictures of the Houses of Parliament. By combining the different views we hope to have a set closely resembling the actual building."
A twenty-four piece orchestra will play for the opera. "March of the Peers," commonly used as a processional is included in the musical score.
Lynn Schornick, Yates Center sophomore and musical director, said the experience of working last year encouraged many students to re-audition. He emphasized that auditions for the spring opera would be open to all students. Only volunteers work in the productions because the group receives no financial assistance
Elaborate costumes make
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The School Of Fine Arts couldn't find an easy way around their facility shortage. Instead, they moved students to an open air classroom behind Bailey. Phil Wahlmark, a Rockford Ill., special student, who is preparing for graduate school, concentrates on a project for his Sculpture III class and enjoys the fresh air at the same time.
The 'no class room' problem
"Iolanthe" an expensive opera to perform. Male members of the cast represent members of the House of Peers and will wear velvet suits trimmed with gold braid. Female members will wear floor-length chiffon dresses.
sons from all over the world will participate in the conference sponsored by the International Theater Studies Center. Jones is chairman of the group.
"Reddigore" will be presented second semester in conjunction with the International Conference on Gilbert and Sullivan which will meet here. Interested per-
Mrs. Jones explained that comic opera differs from opera because it contains dialogue. Although the music is slightly heavier than in musicals, she felt it not beyond student understanding or enjoyment.
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