Amazon.com: An uneasy cross between a movie and a theater production, this version of Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece The Mikado is on the clumsy side. Obviously taped on a stage (there are just two settings, a town square and a landscape) but without an audience, it lacks the spark of live performance and the versatility of film. The action is weighed down by jejune attempts at comedy. When Nanki-Poo (disguised as a musician) receives the devastating news that the woman he loves is promised to another man, he doesn't react at all, but instead plays trombone accompaniment. And after he describes his catalog of musical offerings, the court gentlemen--for no reason except that the song's final word is "lullaby"--drop to the ground and fall asleep. Besides not being funny, these gags are unconnected to anything in the story.
A couple of performances partly redeem things. Kate Flowers sings very well and, even better, actually creates a character. Her Yum-Yum is mischievous, blunt, sarcastic--just the kind of person who would compare herself to the sun and the moon. And as Ko-Ko, Clive Revill is a terrific combination of wily and sympathetic. Slightly hunched and wearing a jester's costume, Revill is a nervous little schemer who's vividly believable. William Conrad's bland Mikado doesn't have much impact. This is one of the less distinguished entries in the Opera World series of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. --David Olivenbaum
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado
I originally saw this production over 20 years ago on PBS. It was the first time I saw The Mikado and I thought it was rightfully one of G&S's best works. I have seen a couple of other versions, one in ... Read More
Rating: - Imitation of much better
If you want accurate renditions of the venerable Gilbert & Sullivan, try to find the D'Orly Carte Company's version. They are the original company that G&S started and tutored to perform their operettas.
Rating: - Overlook the flaws and enjoy this movie.
This 1982, BBC/PBS, made-for-TV production is somewhat dated. The technical aspects, including sound work would be done better today. It is easy to hear and to understand the play, but there is very little stereo ... Read More
Rating: - Full of Fresh Surprises! Buy It!
My roommate and I have seen the Mikado in person in January and the old Kenny Baker DVD in March, and we've seen The Mikado last year in person at the City Center, and many times in NYC and even the Hot Mikado in Pittsburgh. ... Read More
Rating: - Fast Service.
I received the product in a matter of a few days. Very fast, efficient service.
- Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado
- Imitation of much better