This is the best version of The Mikado. Only the Aussies will notice the 1985 dignitaries inserted into the lyrics and some of the dialogue. Brings back memories from that decade. Especially from the outspoken Fred bloke who would tell all heathens to go down the river Nile...
WideTube Vision4: No, this not the best version. As in most recent modern versions, there is, as someone mentioned, too much clowning, a mix match of styles and weak attempts at humor. Instead of trusting Gilbert and Sullivan’s humor and vocal characterizations (soprano, lyric mezzo, contralto, tenor, light baritone, bass-baritone and basso), it’s all a poor mish mash and borders on racial intensity. BUT, not all is lost as D’Oyly Carte taped an excellent traditional production that appears here. Look for it, enjoy it and see how the other versions like this do not measure up.
"A train of little ladies"--bwahaha! I too love the designers' blend of styles, which strikes me as possibly the best way to convey the satirical intent of 'The Mikado' in today's world.
I hope you've seen Brian MacDonald's CBC production? Now there's a professional production to remember! Superb in every way! I couldn't sleep for a week as I had the melodies and lyrics running through my head all day and night long. Try to interview for a new job when, Now there's a Howdeedo running endlessly through the brain. I think my real brain was buried somewhere. Aloha from Hawai'i. And the cast was stellar to boot!!
Thank you so much! I've been looking for this for ages! :) Any chance you have the Gondoliers? Around the same time this production; within a few years I think, maybe 1981?
Obviously most of the chorus are of European descent, dressed and made up in a mixture of Victorian Britain with Japanese references. The whole operetta is presented as a Victorian Music Hall production.
The Australian Opera (Opera Australia now) always had a great track record with G&S back to the 1970s and earlier, but they have virtually forsaken this repertoire now for the more lucrative charms of big-brand musicals. A pity really, as I'm not at all sure that musicals lead people to opera itself in quite the same way that G&S did.
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This is the best version of The Mikado. Only the Aussies will notice the 1985 dignitaries inserted into the lyrics and some of the dialogue. Brings back memories from that decade. Especially from the outspoken Fred bloke who would tell all heathens to go down the river Nile...
WideTube Vision4: No, this not the best version. As in most recent modern versions, there is, as someone mentioned, too much clowning, a mix match of styles and weak attempts at humor. Instead of trusting Gilbert and Sullivan’s humor and vocal characterizations (soprano, lyric mezzo, contralto, tenor, light baritone, bass-baritone and basso), it’s all a poor mish mash and borders on racial intensity.
BUT, not all is lost as D’Oyly Carte taped an excellent traditional production that appears here. Look for it, enjoy it and see how the other versions like this do not measure up.
"A train of little ladies"--bwahaha!
I too love the designers' blend of styles, which strikes me as possibly the best way to convey the satirical intent of 'The Mikado' in today's world.
Exactly. ^___^
Of all The Mikados I have seen this is my favorite.
I love this rendition of the Mikado so much! The costume/prop design is top-notch.
Me too. I watched on television and bought it on DVD.
I love the Japanese costumes that each have at least one English detail. A necktie, a straw hat, a bowler hat, etc. Clever and cute, I say. ^___^
Koko is great!!! Bravo!!!!
This version is available on DVD too.
Opera Australia's wonderful production
I hope you've seen Brian MacDonald's CBC production? Now there's a professional production to remember! Superb in every way! I couldn't sleep for a week as I had the melodies and lyrics running through my head all day and night long. Try to interview for a new job when, Now there's a Howdeedo running endlessly through the brain. I think my real brain was buried somewhere. Aloha from Hawai'i. And the cast was stellar to boot!!
Thank you so much! I've been looking for this for ages! :)
Any chance you have the Gondoliers? Around the same time this production; within a few years I think, maybe 1981?
I have seen several versions of Mikado. Personally I feel there is too much clowning in this one
Mick Daubney, That’s exactly my feeling! Too much clowning!
Basic info: This is from 1988.
With those hats and sideburns, the gentleman of the chorus looked more like authodox Jews than Japanese men.
Obviously most of the chorus are of European descent, dressed and made up in a mixture of Victorian Britain with Japanese references. The whole operetta is presented as a Victorian Music Hall production.
This costume design is excellent resistance against anyone who feels the original is culturally insensitive.
The Australian accents are pretty thick during the book.
Nanki Poo plays left-handed?
So does Paul McCartney. What’s the problem?
@@marionbayley1351 I think that Richard Bayly is asking what team Nanki-Poo bats on.
31:22 Karate Chop
The Australian Opera (Opera Australia now) always had a great track record with G&S back to the 1970s and earlier, but they have virtually forsaken this repertoire now for the more lucrative charms of big-brand musicals. A pity really, as I'm not at all sure that musicals lead people to opera itself in quite the same way that G&S did.
Fast forward to 7:35 to begin watching
peasant
Richard Bayly I laughed way too much at this comment 🤣
Costuming is hideous! Way, way over done!