By Claire DeMarco
Utopia is a small island in the Pacific Ocean ruled by King Paramount (Corey Nile Wingard). Paramount is enchanted by Britain and wants his country to emulate the great imperialistic empire.
When his daughter Princess Zara (Alessandra Gabbianelli) returns to Utopia after completing college in England, she is more enthralled than her father in turning her country into a mini Britain. Her enthusiasm for British tradition and society helps spur Paramount into action. So impressed with the idea, she brings a group of people back with her called the Flowers of the Progress. These six gentlemen represent a cross-section of every aspect of British life that will facilitate and expedite the transition to a more British way of life.
As the movement toward a British lifestyle continues over the next few months, it is apparent that not all of Utopia’s inhabitants are happy with the plan. They begin to see that they really like the life they had. There are many aspects of the transition that they do not like. Utopians support the idea of having judges of the Supreme Court to check the King’s power. They are not in tune with Britain’s politics or legal system.
The stage is set for a showdown between two differing factions.
How will it end? Who gives in? Does Utopia totally change or does its structure remain the same? Or could a compromise between the two factions be the answer?
As King Paramount Wingard is easily swayed. He relies on his daughter to take the lead and advance the British cause. Wingard is convincing as a weak, intimidated ruler easily coerced by those around him. His fear of his advisors is palpable.
Uptight and strait-laced, Johnston as Lady Sophy is the haughty member of the court. She demands attention, and her function in life appears to be as the guide and teacher of the King’s younger daughters. She allows her stiff exterior to bend somewhat in a beautiful rendition of “When But a Maid Of Fifteen Year?”
Gabbianelli exudes confidence and authority as the King’s eldest daughter. Her confidence and authority are believable. She pushes the King into fully adapting the British traditions and way of life. Gabbianelli has a beautiful voice. “Oh, Maiden Rich in Girton Lore” is just one of the many songs she sings that highlight her rich vocals.
What a dynamic duo! Sean Lenhart as Leander and Alex Polocicchio as Phobus are judges of the Utopian Supreme Court. Responsible for keeping Paramount from becoming a tyrant, they delightfully and devilishly sing and dance their way into our hearts. “With Fury Deep We Burn” is only one of their many duets.
In a brief appearance as Thanatos, the Public Exploder, Eric Shaffer wears a belt of dynamite sticks and carries two in his hands. His facial and physical movements convey his eagerness to blow up the king, if needed (and he very much wants to).
Walking and marching like a majorette, Will Benedum as Lord Dramaleigh is perfect as the strait-laced and proper English gentleman.
Zhen Yu Ding (as Captain Fitzbattleaxe) plays the shy soldier in love with Princess Zara. His shyness and backwardness in his general movement and facial expressions are obvious when he’s near her.
A shoutout to the entire cast of players, all with wonderful singing voices!
As with all of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas, love interests and pairings are everywhere. Add this to the absurd and satirical storyline that always pokes fun at British imperialism and Victorian society, and you have another entertaining evening of fun.
Note: “Utopia, Unlimited” is not as well-known as other Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, nor has it been produced as frequently.
Kudos to Music Director and Conductor Guy Russo and the Savoyards Orchestra.
Excellent Direction and Choreography by Robert Hockenberry.
Note: Depending on the performance date, many of the actors’ roles are performed by other members of the cast.
-CED
“Utopia, Limited or The Flowers of Progress” runs from October 10th to October 19th at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, PA. Production by the Pittsburgh Savoyards. For tickets and additional information, click here.
