The Mikado

Gilbert and Sullivan purists may object to some aspects of this 1987 English National Opera production of the 1885 operetta that is probably the duo's most famous collaboration. Turning decisively away from the Savoyard tradition of setting the nonsensical story—about the romantic triangle involving Ko-Ko, Yum-Yum, and Nanki-Poo, and the lordly Mikado's intervention—within a Japanese neverland, Jonathan Miller's version takes place at a 1920s English seaside resort, where all the clothes and décor are in black and white. And while most of the original lyrics are retained, Ko-Ko's first patter song has been entirely rewritten, jettisoning Gilbert's “little list” of society offenders ripe for execution in favor of a more contemporary tone. But as Miller argues in the behind-the-scenes bonus featurette, the choices are defensible, and ultimately the proof is in the pudding: this Mikado nicely captures much of the humor of the piece. As Ko-Ko, Eric Idle may not be the strongest tenor, but great vocalism has never been a requisite in G&S, and the Monty Python veteran gets by while earning plenty of laughs. And he's surrounded by solid singers, with Richard Van Allan's Pooh-Bah, Richard Angas' Mikado, and Felicity Palmer's Katisha especially fine. The orchestra and chorus are good, although the London Coliseum, where filming was done, seems an uninviting venue, and the nearly-20-year-old sound (presented here in Dolby Digital stereo) is essentially adequate. An imaginative and enjoyable supplement to more conventional versions, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)