May 29, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 15 ‘Princess Ida’ Conservancy Iris Karlin, James Biddlecome, and Chris Cantu. (continued from page 7) through an abridged version of “Princess Ida,” with all the musical numbers left in and all the dialogue omitted. Some of the people in the audience had ostensibly never heard a professional opera singer up close before, but they were mightily impressed. Others regretted the lack of costumes. But the charm of the patter songs and the lilting melodies captivated everyone and brought warm applause at the end of the 90-minute performance. A program with a glossary of Victorian and medieval terms explained some of the plot, but the singing and comic acting made “Princess Ida” accessible to everyone and the plot twists and witty dialogue evoked laughter. Rehearsals for a production of one of the most familiar Gilbert & Sullivan operas, “The Mikado,” will begin next week for a performance in full costume at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood in the autumn at a date to be announced. J. KOSTER (continued from page 4) PLANET is an association representing more than 100,000 lawn and landscape professionals in the United States and Canada. Members are dedicated to improving the environment through public service projects and responsible stewardship. PLANET promotes professionalism in the industry by providing continuing education, legislative advocacy, and administering professional certifications. Celebrating 35 years of business, Jacobsen Landscape is a full-service company based in Midland Park. Visit www.jacobsenlandscape.com.