Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Donkin, Saks, Stratford Festival

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A video of a 1982 performance at Canada's Stratford Festival (live, though with some singing dubbed), this is very much a theatrical experience, with the buoyancy of a show played before an audience. The cast and spectators take obvious pleasure in each other, and in classic Gilbert and Sullivan tradition, several numbers are encored. Subtlety is not this production's strong point, but you don't look to G&S for subtlety. As Ko-Ko, Eric Donkin doesn't exactly create a character. His performance is that of a vaudeville clown--he even wears a Japanese version of baggy pants. But his straight-to-the-audience delivery is irresistible. Gidon Saks plays the title role in Japanese-theater style, drawing out his syllables, rising to a scream at the end of a sentence. Though these mannerisms are a bit much, his demented tyrant of a Mikado is gripping and even spooky.

The production is not lavish, with a single, unadorned set and fairly basic staging. But there are some brilliant effects such as the entrance of the Mikado, enclosed in a litter, which his carriers open to reveal him standing magnificently in a miniature interior. Many of the comic lines have been updated, and with impressive wit. It's too bad that their topicality results in a lot of 1980s Canadian references, which will leave 21st-century non-Canadians feeling left out. Still, this is a highly satisfying interpretation of a classic. --David Olivenbaum

Customer Reviews:

Put it on your Little List.......2007-02-18

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.......2006-07-28

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!!! :)

Great performance.......2005-11-28

This performance is in the spirit of the original unlike the fancy BBC productions which I find stilted.

Great costumes, but scratchy sound and ugly additions.......2005-11-24

The costumes & staging are great. The orchestra is fine. Yet, this disappoints on several counts. The sound is monophonic and, while clear in most places, is scratchy on many male voices, as if the mics were not set up right. That is disappointing in operetta, where one wants to hear the words. Even more disturbing are the broad added stereotypes of Japanese culture, which I don't remember from other versions. The characters don't need to say "ahh so" for us to know they are Japanese! It adds nothing; the show uses more subtle humor to get its points across. And that, finally, is where this production fails for me. G&S were sly observers of society, and their observations are still sharp and funny today. When the piece is overloaded with crude stereotypes & the parts aren't played with even a modicum of serious acting (and I don't mean solemnity), the point is lost! So despite the beautiful sets and costumes, the acting in this production is far too hammy, broad, and crude to capture the true spirit of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Stratford Presents G&S Mikado: .......2005-10-19

This DVD of Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta "The Mikado" was recorded in 1993 at a live performance at Canada's Stratford Festival. The operetta itself is outstanding. The singing, dancing and acting are all good. The staging is imaginative.

To this reviewer though, the spoofs of 20th-century Canadian officials, inserted into the dialog, seem as dated as those of their 19th century English counterparts that were in the G&S original book.

Audio quality is OK, but is not up to the best DVD standards. And I really missed the Mikado's aria "See How the Fates Their Gifts Allot". Next time, include this and leave out the encores of other songs!

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