The Mikado

Performed more times than any other Gilbert and Sullivan work, The Mikado, an 1885 send-up of British mores in the guise of the Oriental mania of the day, has also been produced in several film versions, including this digitally re-mastered re-working of the 1982 Brent-Walker production with much-appreciated subtitles. As a fan of the 1966 D'Oyle Carte version with its precision movements, inimitable fan work and the over-the-top lunacy and patter songs of John Reed, I'm often impatient with reinterpretations, particularly when they try to out-cute the masters. But this fresh and appealing mounting won me over with its warm character performances, many strong vocal talents and--modified rapture--subtitles! This invaluable feature alone makes this a highly recommended choice even for those who already own other versions (see review in VL-11/98). Five other newly subtitled Gilbert and Sullivan classics are also available: The Gondoliers, Patience, H.M.S. Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)