Tickets are on sale now for Cimarron Opera’s production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Iolanthe.  This masterpiece of English comic opera from librettist W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan runs July 6, 7 and 8, 2012.  This performance marks the first fully-staged independent opera production in central Oklahoma since 2007.

Showtimes for Iolanthe are at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6; 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 7; and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 8.  Performances will be at the Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts, 1809 Stubbeman in Norman.

Iolanthe (pronounced “eye-o-LAN-thee”) is a story about a band of immortal fairies who find themselves at odds with the House of Peers.  This topsy-turvy story also involves the star-crossed love between Strephon, son of the exiled fairy Iolanthe; and Phyllis, a ward of the Lord Chancellor.  The story lampoons many aspects of British government and law, as well as the privilege of aristocracy, but the happy absurdities of the story and music keep the political criticism all in good fun.

“Often audiences view opera as an inaccessible art form, and our goal at Cimarron Opera is to show that opera is fun, entertaining, and can be truly funny”, says Cimarron Opera Executive Director Shari Ransley.  “The innovations of Gilbert & Sullivan operetta represent a major force in the creation of musical theatre.  These productions represent some of the form and style of musical theatre while keeping intact the quality of music and vocal talent audiences expect from grand opera.”

The performance will feature singers from the local community, aspiring professional singers, and singers from several of the universities around the metro area.

Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.cimarronopera.org or over the phone at (405) 364-8962.

Please call (405) 364-8962 for more information, or visit the website at www.cimarronopera.org.