The Mikado

I think that over the years, I've seen the Mikado about a dozen times, ranging from D'Oyly Carte with Martyn Green playing Ko-Ko to seeing Groucho Marx's role on television. While my memories of Martyn Green remain fairly fresh, it's his dancing in the "Here's a Howdy Do," that still brings a smile to my face. If you have access to the 1953 film called the Story of Gilbert and Sullivan starring Robert Morley and Maurice Evans or even better if you can see the 1939 Mikado with Kenny Baker as Nanki-Poo, you'll see what I mean. Be that as it may, however, this exuberant performance filmed at Stratford, Ontario will make a Mikado fan of you forever, even if you aren't one already. The role of Pooh Bah is brilliantly played by Richard McMillan and his movements belie his height. The rest of the cast is excellent and the staging is simple and effective. In short, both Gilbert and Sullivan would have been proud of this production

I'm not a big Gilbert & Sullivan fan, but I greatly enjoyed this production of The Mikado. I saw it last week and have been unable to get many of the songs out of my head. Gidon Saks who plays the Emperor was outstanding. All the cast were excellent, although the woman who plays the love interest might have been her suitor's mother.

This is the first time I have ever seen a production of the Mikado . I have to say I have never enjoyed a show so much . Maybe I should watch other Gilbert and Sullivan shows . This is certainly a joyous introduction

The best version of the Mikado anywhere. The Stratford Festival of Canada did several Gilbert & Sullivan operettas over a number of years, all directed by Brian Macdonald. They manage to keep all the humour and lightness, and discard the stodginess and antiquated creakiness that can creep into more "traditional" presentations. This is a filmed version of a stage performance, and the sets are beautifully spare and economical. The entrance of the Mikado is wondrous, the costumes are glorious, and the performers are really able to act their roles, bringing them to life. Pooh-bah is hilarious, a modern civil servant in Japanese dress, busy scheming how to protect his job and perks. The singing may not be top "opera" quality, but it is more than compensated for by the fine acting and dancing.

Individually and as an ensemble, the performers are wonderful, marvelously talented, thoroughly watchable, and downright enchanting.

Because a Facebook friend was in a recent Los Angeles production of "The Mikado," and I cheered him on, other friends mentioned other versions, including the English National Opera version (with Eric Idle). I had started the festival by linking the 1939 movie version, available at YouTube, and so have now watched several different productions.

All are good. Of course.

This is the best.

There is a sparkle, a brightness, a joy in the performances I don't find quite matched in any other that I've seen.

The singing, the acting, the dancing, the directing, the camera work -- all work together wonderfully. As old and crippled as I am, I found myself wanting to see a local production with me as ... well, that's where reality stepped in. So I just will re-watch this CBC video and marvel.

There is one sad note: That extraordinary talent who played Katisha died in May of last year, 2018. I sat absolutely enthralled by her scene with Ko-Ko when he sang "Tit Willow." Christina James' obituary said that, despite her astonishing talent as a performer, she would be best remembered as a teacher. If she were a better teacher than performer, then her students must considered among the luckiest in the world.

I highly recommend this superior version of "The Mikado," and you can find it at YouTube.