|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources |
|
|
|
'The Mikado' in the Best Gilbert and Sullivan Style
| Article
# : |
10672 |
|
|
Section : |
THE ARTS
|
| Issue
Date : |
1 / 1986 |
893 Words |
| Author
: |
Gregory Speck
Gregory Speck is a freelance arts writer based in New York
City. |
While its efforts with grand opera often disappoint, the New York City Opera is quite proficient at mounting charming productions of lighter fare, as exemplified in the current run of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operetta, The Mikado.
Indeed, one wonders why impresario Sills did not obtain the complete D'Oyly Carte holdings of sets and costumes when that venerable company, established over a century ago in London, gave up the ghost and begged for a buyer. Lincoln Center may not be the last bastion of the British Empire, but the New York State Theater would have been a good place to house a living museum of that distinguished repertory, and have strengthened Sills' hand in the sustenance of her somewhat troubled company.
Those not acquainted with the delights of Gilbert and Sullivan should realize that everything they wrote and composed was thinly veiled satire of the Victorian era, though the settings of their operettas were often far removed in time and locale. In fact, the humor and wit in their works is nearly Chaucerian in its ribald concerns and often as amusing as the masterpieces of Restoration comedy in the parodistic lampoons of character. The Mikado has all this in abundance, as well as superb floral screen sets and colorful costumes by Thierry Bosquet, which evoke an Oriental flavor under John Gleason's pastel lighting.
Led by tenor David Eisler as Nanki-Poo, the heir to the throne of Japan; Claudette Peterson as Yum-Yum, whom he adores; Stanley Wexler as Pooh-Bah, the corrupt public official who shifts about under his multitude of titles; Joyce Castle as Katisha, the amorous spinster; and Jack Herrold as Ko-Ko, the
... (1998 of 5364 Characters)
Read Full Article
|
|
