For Meaghan, stepping into the title role of Iolanthe with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston marks a significant and heartfelt return to the stage. After a pandemic-canceled debut in this beloved role, her current production is not only a chance to wear wings but serves as a moment of personal and artistic redemption.
As a mother of three and a dedicated fan of fairy tales, Meaghan brings a unique blend of heart, humor, and emotional depth to her character, who challenges societal rules for love. In a recent interview, she delved into her journey with Iolanthe, the intricacies of performing Gilbert & Sullivan, and how her own experiences weave seamlessly into this enchanting role.
When asked what drew her to the character of Iolanthe, Meaghan explained, “I think what drew me to the role was that the character was a mother but looked young for her age. As a mother of three who still gets carded, I could relate to that. Who doesn’t want to play a fairy onstage?”
Her connection to the character runs deeper than mere fantasy. Years ago, she was cast as Iolanthe for Tacoma Opera just before the pandemic halted her preparations. “I had learned the role and performed promotional pieces when everything was canceled. It broke my heart because it was my first opera role since having my first two kids, and I was eager to perform again. So, when I heard the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston was holding auditions, I jumped at the chance for a redemption arc,” she recounted.
Getting cast as Iolanthe has transformed her disappointment into joy, solidifying her belief that dreams can be realized even after setbacks.
Iolanthe is a complex character; she possesses an ethereal quality while also embodying profound human emotions. “I have always been fascinated by fairy tales, and I found a link between her character and Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid,” Meaghan noted. “Iolanthe is a water fairy confined to a stream, facing extreme consequences for loving a human—a reminiscent theme in many fairy tales.
As a neurodivergent woman, Meaghan finds beauty in Iolanthe’s struggle against societal norms. “I often felt pressure to conform throughout my life, trying to hide who I am, though I process things differently. I can relate to her in the way I navigate social situations, maintaining a facade while striving to reveal my true self in safe spaces.
Performing Gilbert & Sullivan presents its own challenges. The operettas are known for their witty and satirical lyricism, particularly the notorious patter songs. “These are challenging because you have to articulate the text clearly while singing beautifully—and maintaining a British accent adds another layer of difficulty,” Meaghan acknowledged.
However, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “Many jokes in Iolanthe are still relevant today, poking fun at the privileged and flipping gender norms on their heads. The audience can still relate to many themes in this timeless work.
When asked about her favorite musical moment in the show, Meaghan highlighted her aria and the final scene with the Chancellor. “It holds such poignancy and always moves me.” The rehearsal process has been intense yet rewarding, facilitating a deeper understanding of Iolanthe and her relationships throughout the narrative.
“We started with the music as G&S can be quite demanding,” Meaghan said. “Maintaining the British accent and working on dialogue from the beginning helped the cast find their characters. As Iolanthe is one of the more serious characters, I strive to portray her earnestly while injecting moments of playfulness. Despite her tragic circumstances, she is a mother who remains optimistic for her son.
The camaraderie cultivated within the cast and creative team of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston has made this experience even more special for her. “Having already performed with the Society last year, the chemistry we built then has only grown stronger this year.
Everyone is attentive and collaborative, striving for nuance in our character portrayals. The warmth of the ensemble fosters a delightful and whimsical energy, and our director Alyssa Weathersby has brought incredible vision to the staging and choreography.
The themes explored in Iolanthe, such as love, justice, and authority, resonate powerfully with contemporary audiences. “These themes are universal and a part of the human experience. The struggles between societal rules and personal desires are timeless and relevant,” she explained.
“And the theme of forbidden love is an ever-popular thread throughout time. Everyone loves a good love story that connects us to our own lives.
Reflecting on rehearsals, Meaghan shared some creative highlights, such as the unique costume designs. “One fun element is that each fairy’s appearance is inspired by different insects. Iolanthe’s design reflects a dragonfly, which is a fascinating touch, and our glowing wands are simply enchanting to see in action on stage.
While she didn’t have any particularly funny stories, Meaghan did mention the amusing dynamics between the characters Tolloler and Monterrat, which often lead to moments of laughter on stage as they interact.
For those unfamiliar with Iolanthe or Gilbert & Sullivan operettas, Meaghan encourages them to experience the magic firsthand. “If you love fairy tales or fantasy, you’ll appreciate the magical realism and the comedic elements of the plot.
She noted the cultural relevance of G&S, mentioning how comedic excerpts have been parodied across modern media, such as moments in The Simpsons and references in popular series.
Reflecting on her performance journey, Meaghan hopes the audience walks away with laughter and a sense of wonder. “As it is a fairy tale, I want to enchant them and touch their hearts. For those with cherished mother figures, I hope it also inspires them to appreciate their contributions.
As for what comes next, she is uncertain of her future musical endeavors. “After this fairyland adventure, I’ll likely spend quality time with my three children and husband after our intense rehearsal journey.
The journey of transforming into Iolanthe has been one filled with personal rediscovery for Meaghan, proving that even through the complexities of life, the sparkle of dreams can indeed prevail.
image source from：broadwayworld
