Baldwin's Ellen Pickus takes the stage in 'Iolanthe'

Baldwin’s Ellen Pickus is featured in Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Iolanthe,” a new production of the classic comic opera, presented by Light Opera Company of Long Island in several of locations across Long Island.

Performing in shows since 1980, Pickus performed in “Princess Ida” last year.

“Ellen has such a beautiful voice,” Director Gayden Wren wrote in a news release. “She’s very attentive to the character she’s playing, knows her material inside and out, and adds funny details all over the place.  She’s been with us for many years now, and always delivers a terrific performance.” 

Iolanthe—which debuted in 1883, with a book and lyrics by W.S. Gilbert and music by Arthur Sullivan—is one of the most well liked of all of their productions. 

The play follows Strephon, a shepard who is half fairy and half mortal, who navigates his love for Phyllis, a ward in chancery pursued by many of the House of Lords with the intentions of marriage. The conflict between the wily Lord Chancellor and the powerful Fairy Queen, along with the involvement of Strephon’s mother Iolanthe.

The Light Opera Company is one of Long Island’s oldest cultural institutions, celebrating its 70th season. The company has produced a wide variety of shows accessible to both new and old audiences. It preserves and promotes the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan while also being known for their professional quality. This is the Light Opera Company’s first performance since 2015.

“Iolanthe” will be presented on Saturday, June 22, at 8 p.m. at the Bayway Arts Center, 265 East Main Street in East Islip, Sunday, June 23, at 3 p.m. at the Star Theater at the Suffolk Y/JCC, 75 Hauppauge Road in Commack, Saturday, June 29, at 8 p.m. at the Jeanne Rimsky Theater at the Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main Street in Port Washington.

The last performance is Sunday, June 30, at 3 p.m. at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre.  

Admission is $30 and for seniors and students, $25. 

 For further information, call (516) 619-7415 or visit Gaslocoli.org.