The Mikado ⇒

Yesterday we went out to Abbotsford to go see the Mikado (caution, site doesn't work in Camino or Safari) at the Abbotsford Arts Centre. I had seen most of it on TV before so I mostly knew what I was getting into. As many of you know, I am not a lyrics guy...I rarely know the lyrics (nor even the titles) of the songs that I like. For some reason, I just don't hear them. I can learn them, eventually, but it is not a natural process (unlike my wife, who learns lyrics by osmosis!).

You may see where this is leading...Gilbert & Sulliven are known for their fast operas...the music and dialog are both quick. As most of the story was told in song, I had a lot of difficulty following the plot. I just could not hear what they were saying. Part of the problem was that the actors' enunciation wasn't great.

There were only two sets, the town square and the garden. That was fine though, as this play is all about the story and dialogue. The acting was mediocre. Poo-bah, was not arrogant enough and Ko-ko was played very gay, which got quite annoying at the end. Yum-Yum was fine, except for her voice which was very "opera" and didn't fit with the other voices. Very powerful mind you, it just didn't fit with everyone else's.

The highlight was the reading of "the list". This is the list of people that the Lord High Executioner (Ko Ko) could execute and who wouldn't be missed. Apparently most directors take some liberty with this list and insert current references. Our list included, Glen Campbell, Cretien and various other public figures. Quite funny really. They really wouldn't be missed!

So, would I go see the Mikado again? Yes. Would I go see it put on by this group again? No.