The Productions: Iolanthe
Iolanthe (1882) opened in London at the Savoy Theatre and in New York at the Standard Theatre on the same date. It was successful on both sides of the Atlantic. Carte’s touring company traveled throughout England, while in America, regional touring companies brought Iolanthe to American cities. Perhaps no American regional Iolanthe sparked as much interest as that of Collier’s Standard Opera Company at the new Boston Bijou Theatre. Opening night seats were so prized that they were auctioned, with successful bidders identified in the newspapers. The production’s success is underscored by the variety of souvenirs that were issued, to the delight of the patrons of the Bijou---as well as to the modern-day collector.
[Souvenir program]. Bijou Theatre, Boston, Apr. 18, 1883.
The 150th Performance of Collier's Standard Opera Company in Iolanthe
Iolanthe Illustrated. New York: Standard Theatre, [Jan.-Feb.] 1883.
Souvenir of D'Oyly Carte's original New York production. Sketches by J.E. Kelly.
[Souvenir program]. Bijou Theatre, Boston, Dec. 11, 1882.
Gala opening of the Bijou Theatre. First-night silk program for Collier's Standard Opera Company in Iolanthe.
[Vocal Score]. Iolanthe. Arranged by Berthold Tours. London: Chappell & Co. [1882]. Association copy, autographed by ten members of D'Oyly Carte's No. 1 "Iolanthe" touring company [March] 1883.
[Contemporary print]. Society (London) Supplement, Jan. 6, 1882.
Portrait by "Jack" of George Grossmith as the Lord Chancellor in the original London production.
[Souvenir program]. London: Savoy Theatre, [1883].
Original production of Iolanthe. Designed by Alice Havers.