Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
by Andrew Greene
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DVD details
Actor: Peter CousensDirector: Andrew Greene
Brand: Kultur
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 150 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-08-26
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: KULTUR VIDEO
DVD Reviews of Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
DVD Review: Fair to partly cloudy....
Summary: 3 Stars
This 1988 Mikado at 21 years of age does lack many of the more up-to-date production qualities that would make this a more desirable DVD. Sound quality was inconsistent; it seemed like the performers were occasionally too far from microphones so it sounded as if they were singing from the other side of the stage. This becomes a major consideration when you consider the wordiness of the Gilbert and Sullivan libretto. If you're a fan of following along with the story and catching all the lyrics, this is not your Mikado.
The other distractor was the costuming. In this production, they blended the traditional Japanese period costumes with 19th Century Victorian elements that were more annoying then amusing. I could've done without the briefcases, black umbrellas and derby hats on the men's chorus as well as Nanki Poo's pimped out bicycle festooned with streamers and a handlebar basket.
Also a distraction were 1980s period references in comic ad libs to Crocodile Dundee and obscure Australian politicians that are unknown to the rest of us.
Having said all that, performance-wise, Heather Begg was exceptional as Katisha. Pooh Bah (John Yurisich), Pish-Tush (?), and the Mikado himself(Robert Eddie) were fine operatic singers so they could be enjoyed, however, Ko-Ko (Graham Ewer) left much to be desired with his silliness and apparent rushing through some of his numbers. He murdered "Taken From the County Jail" singing as if he couldn't wait to get through it. Not sure why they arranged it that way but he was obvioulsy in collusion with the orchestra who played right along at record speed. Peter Cousens as Nanki Poo made about as weak a showing as any I have ever seen in any male lead in a musical performance. One wonders where they got him and why? Anne Maree MacDonald as Yum Yum did a fine job and saved Cousens on more than one occasion by balancing out his tepid singing with her lovely soprano.
All in all, I would suggest looking around a little more before I spent twenty-five bucks on this Mikado, particularly if you like your G&S less adulterated.
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Description of Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
MIKADO:GILBERT AND SULLIVAN/AUSTRALIA - DVD MovieClassical Music CDs
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