Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado -Stratford Festival- [VHS]

A fine libretto
This little book is a window into the endless wit of Gilbert's amazingly clever lyrics. A very enlightening glimpse into a classic of the genre.

utterly beguiling
I found this a charming performance of the "Mikado," Gilbert and Sullivan's greatest work. It is utterly beguiling. Even my children - who range from elementary school to high school - loved it. The scenery is surprisingly minimalist, to be sure, but the experiment works. The personalities of the performers carry the show without elaborate props. Caricatures they may be, but they are surprisingly likeable nonetheless. Virtually all productions of the "Mikado" update Ko Ko the executioner's song about his "little list" of people who surely would not be missed. For one thing, the original Victorian lyrics are downright offensive to modern ears. For another, the fact that Gilbert and Sullivan sought to poke timely fun at personalities of their day suggests that modern productions might, in the original authors' spirit, appropriately substitute jabs at personalities of our own day. Because this is a Canadian production, the substitutions are Canadian politicians prominent in the 1980s. I think this adds to the performance's charm, and would hope that most Americans could be broad minded enough to appreciate Canadian substitutions. I guess a few are not. I am, at all events, extremely pleased to own a copy of this "Mikado," and I look forward to enjoying it many times over the years to come. Eric Alan Isaacson

Gets Better with Repeated Viewings
I don't have much to add to the many comments already here, nor do I have a clue whether this and the other admirable Stratford G&S DVD's will ever be reissued. I just wanted to comment that there seems to be a lot of confusion about certain details of this Mikado; namely, who directed it (some say Campbell and some say MacDonald but who really cares?), what year it was taped (1982? 1993? can't be 1993 because the topical allusions are strictly 80's!), how good the sound is (mono but very clear and reasonably lifelike), and whether any of the sound track was dubbed (I can't tell, sometimes it almost appears so, usually not, but since there was a live audience the singers can't have just mouthed their words, no way!, and how do those who claim they did know? On the other hand, the closeups suggest the cameras were right onstage--too bad for the audience--or else the closeups were taped later). Anyhow, all this quibbling aside, all the Stratford G&S videos are warmly recommended--Iolanthe, Pirates, Pinafore, Gondoliers, even the black & white Trial by Jury--though these dance-intensive and a bit campy productions (much to their benefit) may take some getting used to for traditionalist D'Oyly Carte lovers (ain't many of those around any more!). Plus the Australian Opera Patience is very good too in a similar style.

Put it on your Little List
Despite the simplicity of staging, this has to be one of the most refreshing productions of "The Mikado" available. For instance, Koko is not the high-strung clown as is usually played, but is actually the straight man, reacting to the ill-assorted clowns around him, most notably a tall, willowy Pooh-Bah who is most likely gay, a group of amazingly clumsy samurai, three little maids who are quite silly, and a Katisha who looks like a demented Margaret Thatcher. Minor changes in lyrics and dialog can be forgive because the whole production is so filled with fun and charm that it is impossible not to like it. I haven't been able to watch it enough times. Don't miss it.

Memories of G&S in Stratford
I had the honor and pleasure of watching this 2 or 3 times at Stratford (including the night they taped this performance). Each time was even more entertaining and fun than the last. It was very evident while watching it both live and on tape/DVD that they were having as much fun performing it, as we the audience were watching it.Eric Donkin was a joy to watch and taken from us too soon. Richard McMillan as the grand Poh Bah was HILLARIOUS. Very enjoyable!!! :)