Opera Naples Youth Iolanthe standing ovation

Iolanthe – Summer Youth Program

This incredible program challenges and nurtures young performers regardless of experience. In addition to rehearsing the production, youth participate in vocal masterclasses and workshops on vocal technique, acting, improvisation, and yoga.

Details

Since its sparkling 1882 premiere, the fantastical satire Iolanthe has delighted audiences with its clever combination of romance, humor, political satire, and the memorable musical numbers that made Gilbert and Sullivan household names.

Twenty-five years ago, the fairy Iolanthe married a mortal – a capital offense under fairy law. However, her sentence was commuted from death to lifetime banishment. Fast forward 25 years, her half-human, half-fairy son now wishes to marry a mortal but it's a crime punishable by death. Left with no choice, Iolanthe sets out to challenge this law.

Student tickets are available for $10, and adult tickets are $18. Pricing includes a $3 processing fee.
FAMILY FOUR-TICKET-PACKAGE: A family four-pack for two adults and two children/students is available for $50
PURCHASE PACKAGE HERE

The 2023 Opera Naples Summer Program scholarships have been funded by the J. Aron Charitable Foundation, Inc., Liz and Ed Freher, Sandra and James Lafond, Thelma and Bud Negley, Jacqueline and William Mears, Mary Jane and Robert Oliveira, and Jennifer Richardson.

This production is directed by Louis Dall'Ava and musically directed by Robin Shuford Frank.

Stage Director

Louis Dall’Ava has performed 28 principal roles in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas with companies including The New York Gilbert & Sullivan players, Manhattan Savoyards, Sorg Opera (OH) and Mobile Opera (AL), at venues including Wolf Trap, The Garden State Arts Center, and The International G&S Festival in Buxton England. He is the 2005-2006 recipient of NYGASP's Isaac Asimov Award for Artistic Achievement. Among various other musical theater roles, he has performed Charles and the Comte de Chagny on three international tours of The Phantom of the Opera and was named Best Actor in a Musical by Bravo Pix for his portrayal of Fagin in Commonwealth Opera's Oliver. He has also been the director and costume/set designer for numerous productions throughout the country and has been involved with Opera Naples in various capacities including directing youth productions, costumes, props, and performing since 2005.

Music Director

Robin Shuford Frank is Director of Education and Community Outreach, Chorus Master, and Music Administrator for Opera Naples. She manages Opera Naples professional Resident Artist Program, Student Apprentice Program, Elementary School tours, and community engagement programs. An accomplished pianist, she is Musical Director for community and youth productions, a rehearsal pianist for main productions, and performs as a collaborative pianist. Frank is the accompanist for The Festival Singers of Florida and performs with the Naples Philharmonic and The Naples Players. She is a frequently sought guest accompanist for choral festivals and has performed and taught masterclasses in China and Indonesia.  Frank is also an Adjunct Professor in the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Frank's previous employment includes Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Pianist and Coach with Opera New Jersey, rehearsal pianist at Palm Beach Opera, and Artist in Residence at Bak Middle School of the Arts.  She has a Masters degree in Accompanying and Vocal Coaching from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelors degree in Music Education from The Florida State University.

Event Dates

SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2023 | 7 PM

SUNDAY, JULY 23, 2023 | 2 PM

Venue

Pulte Family Life Center

Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church

625 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108