@shortshudson Actually, listen to other (older) performances... he's singing it just the way it's supposed to be. But WTF are they singing at the beginning? Sir Wm. Gilbert did NOT, I'm pretty sure, write the names of a bunch of modern Japanese companies into the beginning of this. In fact... "Miya sama, miya sama/ On n'm-ma no maye ni/ Pira-Pira suru no wa/ Nan gia na/ Toko tonyare tonyare na? is what's in The Complete Works of G&S, for this song. No, no mention of Kawasaki; funny though!
I just don't understand how this is entertaining to people. I love G&S but this is just so over done. There is no subtlety at all, no wit. I'm ok with changing lyrics to suit a time but the way they went about it here isn't well done. And the fact that it is all synthesized music really bothers me the most.
I'm in a production of The Mikado, and I find this slightly less funny than the original but still excellent. I would certainly pay to see the whole thing. :-)
Myself, I like both versions. I love the original G&S version. I think it is a classic that will live on through the ages. However, we can't let nostalgia, which is a nice thing, hold us back. Preventing us from moving on into potentially more funny things. Lets not boo the producers of this show, rather applaud them for making a big step forward!
I dig it. It's different, but its' a good different. Giving such a huge production number to The Mikado really makes him stand out as being worth it as the emperor, and I think the choice of orchestration really brings out the swing beat that was already there in the original song.
They meant it, first and foremost, as a parody. Over a century later, we just took it to the next level of irreverence that Gilbert & Sullivan would've most certainly taken it to, had they today's technology...
If you like this you like it, if you don't you don't. But don't try to demean this version, this has its merits. Personally I love this version, while I admit it isn't very true to the original, who cares. This isn't the original and stands alone from it. I appreciate and enjoy seeing both productions.
If this production had been staged in 1890, yes he would. But if he'd been born a hundred years later, then this is the sort of production he would've staged.
It may not seem appropriate for an opera, but it does work quite well with this song,& I love David Gould's voice. Gidon Saks is also excellent. His range is fantastic.
As I've stated elsewhere, this reduces G&S to a music hall turn--and the Lord High Chief Culprit (Drew Forsythe) isn't even in this scene! On the other hand, David Gould (the Mikado) has a thrilling voice--if only it were used to better effect. They do camp it up far too much. Ko-Ko (Forsythe) is really excessively poncey, and that's NOT how he was written. See Nick Holland's Ko-Ko in the Southampton Opera Co.'s production--Teriffic, as is the Ko-Ko in the production posted by TheTenore.
The line between satire and racism is easily blurred. The never-neverland of G&S's Mikado was certainly less racist than satiric.
This EssGee production, however, by having David Gould, in particular, imitate (and, regrettably, Gould's imitation is spot on) contemporarily 'sukebei' (lecherous)Japanese 'sararimen'--'Uwaaa, Yum-Yum'!!! says the Mikado, bug-eyed and drooling. Or, 'you'wa not bin a rong about it', etc., does flirt with racism just a tiny bit too much, I agree.
G&S works best (as they said themselves) played straight, especially not gayified (pun not really intended, but there it is) and this production is beyond doubt, GAY.
There's plenty of room for creativity within The Mikado without prancing about like a ponce.
Strangely, there IS an orchestra
--yet WHY does it sound like the only two major instruments are a child's piano & drum kit?
Costumes sucked too.
This is the worst production of The Mikado I've seen, and probably ever will.
While I'm liking this fresh take on it, this play already has one "As Some Day It May Happen" and doesn't need another. (Going to look at that next, though.)
This is a great. There is a very fine D'Oily Carte 1940s Technicolor film of The Mikado for those who want to see a close facsimile of the 19th century original. Oh yeah, and the recent film "Topsy Turvy" about the making of the very first production is a must-see for G&S fans.
i agree i think the music in this musical is unusual and not ochestral. in the version im in the orchestra are going to be at the sides of the stage in costume!
God I love his voice! We saw him live and it just sends a shiver down your spine. And the lyrics are supposed to be changed to fit with the times otherwise its not as cutting and clever as it should be.
I most like the alterations to refer to current events (a la Stratfords "Little List") It was, after all, social criticism at the time. I like how clear the recording is, and don't mind the changes to the music, if the choreography and costumes are a bit campy. Let's be honest, pretty much everybody who knows G&S knows how it "should" be, but it isn't alive if you present it as dead matter. I especially like the choreographic bits from "Grease" in fit the crime.
I just adore David Gould's voice...and also, keep away G&S Puritans, your comments are really irritating to read, you don't like this, we GET IT! But some of us do, so don't spoil it for us...I've tried listening to the strictly original songs...but I like this upbeat version way better
His voice scares me a bit-very baritone. and yes, this version is a bit slow-needs more of an upbeat tempo. But to each their own. I peronally enjoy the eric dinkin version of mikado more-was that in '84?
The costume for the Mikado (Oh, Mikado!) was superb, as was Katisha's. I am not a huge fan of altering the lyrics, though (Although the Stratford Festival version of 'A Little List' was quite good). I think the trick is to strike a good balance between the original and the remade, and in my opinion, this errs a bit toward the remade side. Still lots of fun to watch, though!
I agree twice-while I never did approve of changing Gilbert and Sullivan, I also have to admit this was very good. Variation is good, and these people have given that in proper moderation. But that's just my opinion.
I love Simon Galaher's production of 'The Mikado', 'Pirates of Penzance' and HMS Pinafore! And I just cannot get over Dave Gould's outrageous costume (or his deep deep voice for that matter ^^)
most of the time they have to change things from the original version because today they would be considered vulgerly offnsive. like the song "as some day it may happen" there are alot of lines that would be taken as asexist, and racist.
oh geez, appreciate a little variation. if every production was the same, how interesting would that be? if you want to do it word for word, go make your own production.
It is usually always sacrilegious to make any changes to a Gilbert & Sullivan opera that D'Oyly Carte didn't personally approve, but I have to say I enjoyed this production. Who'd've thunk G&S could work with flamboyant Broadway musical numbers? It does, and I love it. Thanks.
No, not sacrilegious. There is a long history of scripting a different, more modern libretto to fit the times &/or country. I don't mind personalization of G&S, I DO mind the futile attempt to make it more funny than already it is --which is plenty!-- by use of slapstick, burlesque, and gayifying the characters.
Remember, burlesque was well established during the time when G&S were creating... and they eschewed it. So what happens?
This is one of my fave songs in this musical.
Destandia 4 months ago
God I hate his voice. It's so....boring. Get some inflection for goodness sake!
shortshudson 7 months ago
@shortshudson Actually, listen to other (older) performances... he's singing it just the way it's supposed to be. But WTF are they singing at the beginning? Sir Wm. Gilbert did NOT, I'm pretty sure, write the names of a bunch of modern Japanese companies into the beginning of this. In fact... "Miya sama, miya sama/ On n'm-ma no maye ni/ Pira-Pira suru no wa/ Nan gia na/ Toko tonyare tonyare na? is what's in The Complete Works of G&S, for this song. No, no mention of Kawasaki; funny though!
HalluxSinister 5 months ago
who's that AMAZING director?!?!?!?!?!!!? It's just FABULOUS!!
danielemezzo 10 months ago
This is terrific. Yes - Rum-Tug-Tugger in Cats or the Pharoah in Joseph - theme and variations! But it's fun.
oboewizard 11 months ago
lol when the ladies were girlish squealing about the Mikado, it reminded be of Rum Tum Tugger from CATS! :)
MagicalMistoffolees 11 months ago
Oh, dear lord, I just realized who he reminds me of... Fire Lord Ozai's flamboyant twin!
THAT'S a mental image I don't need!
SunnasChariot 11 months ago 2
Oh. My. God.
This looks like every single Asian stereotype rolled into one.
SunnasChariot 11 months ago
I like this Elvis version. Lyrics and Be Bop styling are quite catching. Emporer choreography is amazing and hillareous
joxnephilly 1 year ago
This is the third gayest thing I've seen all year.
Stantzs 1 year ago
HELLO PEOPLE!! It's G & S! It's SUPPOSED to be funny and schick-y!! They are written to make fun of and be elaborate and goofy!
lalalachick3369 1 year ago 3
THe Mikado looks like a transformer
goldie1102 1 year ago 2
I just don't understand how this is entertaining to people. I love G&S but this is just so over done. There is no subtlety at all, no wit. I'm ok with changing lyrics to suit a time but the way they went about it here isn't well done. And the fact that it is all synthesized music really bothers me the most.
Shalliw 1 year ago
I understand the purpose of adapting classics to suit the times, but these people are taking their schtick way too far.
loqutor 1 year ago
diffrent...i like mine better
MsSheltiepup 1 year ago
Why would someone do this to such a magnificent work of art?
leporello56 1 year ago
fun fun funney lol. my high school is doing this musical and i wish the director was as up for change as this group of obvious professionals
1DeathWishForever 1 year ago
Now, that was fun!
daisybtoes 1 year ago
I guess the lyrics are up for change
nero21 2 years ago
I'm in a production of The Mikado, and I find this slightly less funny than the original but still excellent. I would certainly pay to see the whole thing. :-)
EmeraldSky33 2 years ago
This production of the Mikado (as well as Simon Gallager's Pirates of Penzance and HSM Pinafore) are truly amazing!!
So it's not the original, slightly boring, G&S everyone knows, so what! It's clever and just wonderful.
It's probably aimed at getting the younger generations excited about G&S because we don't usually respond very well to operas (I am 16, btw).
I love this version, it's spectacular :)
belrae93 2 years ago
*HMS
(almost looks like high school musical, oh good lord)
belrae93 2 years ago
Surreal. Its like Gilbert and Sullivan on acid!
chickinchainmail 2 years ago
Myself, I like both versions. I love the original G&S version. I think it is a classic that will live on through the ages. However, we can't let nostalgia, which is a nice thing, hold us back. Preventing us from moving on into potentially more funny things. Lets not boo the producers of this show, rather applaud them for making a big step forward!
twigletgames 2 years ago 2
Absolutely fantastic! However, like with all things for all time, it cannot hold a candle to the original.
MishimaYukio17 3 years ago 8
I dig it. It's different, but its' a good different. Giving such a huge production number to The Mikado really makes him stand out as being worth it as the emperor, and I think the choice of orchestration really brings out the swing beat that was already there in the original song.
Quixim 3 years ago 12
uh, how does anyone know what G&S would have made of this. Personally, I love it and wouldn't change a thing.
Blackrose19290 3 years ago 3
They meant it, first and foremost, as a parody. Over a century later, we just took it to the next level of irreverence that Gilbert & Sullivan would've most certainly taken it to, had they today's technology...
Ignauhak 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
sorry, this really is a bad version... the bass (mikado) is horrendous...
pr1m475cr34m 3 years ago
If you like this you like it, if you don't you don't. But don't try to demean this version, this has its merits. Personally I love this version, while I admit it isn't very true to the original, who cares. This isn't the original and stands alone from it. I appreciate and enjoy seeing both productions.
TheBigD13 3 years ago 4
satire!satire!satire! That was what G and S was all about, and I am sure they would have loved this,...
19581101958 3 years ago
W.S. Gilbert would have been incandescant with rage at this travesty.
BlackBacon44 3 years ago
If this production had been staged in 1890, yes he would. But if he'd been born a hundred years later, then this is the sort of production he would've staged.
lomax343 3 years ago
Enjoy it for what it is ...pure satire! love it. David Gould has an amazing voice. Thank you for sharing.
msfyn 3 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Christ, this isn't even an operetta anymore!
It's become a horrible pass-off as a high school talent show!
manwitheplan2002 3 years ago
I agree.
This production makes The Mikado look foolish. It's not even Satire anymore--it's more of a crappy "Scary Movie", Mikado-style.
Lame.
manwitheplan2002 3 years ago
Whoa...
I didn't even realize I'd replied to my own comment.
That makes me look like a douche.
Sorry, guys.
manwitheplan2002 3 years ago
This Mikado isn't as good as Gidon Saks version. Also, jazzing up the tune doesn't sound appropriate for an opera.
lcchocolate59 3 years ago 3
It may not seem appropriate for an opera, but it does work quite well with this song,& I love David Gould's voice. Gidon Saks is also excellent. His range is fantastic.
ser132 3 years ago 3
As I've stated elsewhere, this reduces G&S to a music hall turn--and the Lord High Chief Culprit (Drew Forsythe) isn't even in this scene! On the other hand, David Gould (the Mikado) has a thrilling voice--if only it were used to better effect. They do camp it up far too much. Ko-Ko (Forsythe) is really excessively poncey, and that's NOT how he was written. See Nick Holland's Ko-Ko in the Southampton Opera Co.'s production--Teriffic, as is the Ko-Ko in the production posted by TheTenore.
sverigregrabb 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Not only does this totally degrade Gilbert and Sulivan's work, but it's completey racist. Are these people trying to insult everyone they can?
Samuraicd234 3 years ago
The line between satire and racism is easily blurred. The never-neverland of G&S's Mikado was certainly less racist than satiric.
This EssGee production, however, by having David Gould, in particular, imitate (and, regrettably, Gould's imitation is spot on) contemporarily 'sukebei' (lecherous)Japanese 'sararimen'--'Uwaaa, Yum-Yum'!!! says the Mikado, bug-eyed and drooling. Or, 'you'wa not bin a rong about it', etc., does flirt with racism just a tiny bit too much, I agree.
sverigregrabb 3 years ago 6
G&S works best (as they said themselves) played straight, especially not gayified (pun not really intended, but there it is) and this production is beyond doubt, GAY.
There's plenty of room for creativity within The Mikado without prancing about like a ponce.
Strangely, there IS an orchestra
--yet WHY does it sound like the only two major instruments are a child's piano & drum kit?
Costumes sucked too.
This is the worst production of The Mikado I've seen, and probably ever will.
Sad.
StarAcrux 3 years ago
Although, to be fair, I did like the headdresses.
...if only they could have gotten rid of the spandex and the pedal-pushers. :/
StarAcrux 3 years ago 2
And the keystone cops routines.
Sheesh.
StarAcrux 3 years ago
i've just noticed that they say mitshabishe HYUNDI hyundi is korean not japenese toyota is though
FinalFreek 3 years ago
hahaHAHAHA! that is so hilarious!
ladysquier 3 years ago
WTF WHAT A COSTUME and he's the only base in the opera (not the only gay in the village)
FinalFreek 3 years ago
David Gould is my favourite! And you gotta love the costume...
ChioGaru 4 years ago
While I'm liking this fresh take on it, this play already has one "As Some Day It May Happen" and doesn't need another. (Going to look at that next, though.)
BlueReckless 4 years ago
i get my mikado outfit 2nite yay cant wait
WilsonsAngel 4 years ago
does it look like this one? ive seen a bunch of different costumes for the mikado. if its this one then i am jealous lol
Malic430 4 years ago
it is similar but in a very light gold with silver flowers and real silk n heavy lolz
WilsonsAngel 4 years ago
nice
Malic430 4 years ago
haha. the mikado's outfit is fuckin awesome
Malic430 4 years ago
my school is doing this musical just checking my part ahahhaha
mnjdmeg6 4 years ago
This is a great update of the show, I meant to say.
freestuffffff 4 years ago
This is a great. There is a very fine D'Oily Carte 1940s Technicolor film of The Mikado for those who want to see a close facsimile of the 19th century original. Oh yeah, and the recent film "Topsy Turvy" about the making of the very first production is a must-see for G&S fans.
freestuffffff 4 years ago
The performers are excellent, but I'm REALLY not a fan of the orchestrations. Oh well, though...no such thing as a perfect performance, I guess. ;)
Staev 4 years ago
ya the orchestra it was good but you can tell that they probely usually ont play this style of music
Lycanmage15 4 years ago
i agree i think the music in this musical is unusual and not ochestral. in the version im in the orchestra are going to be at the sides of the stage in costume!
eamonnoneill 4 years ago
God I love his voice! We saw him live and it just sends a shiver down your spine. And the lyrics are supposed to be changed to fit with the times otherwise its not as cutting and clever as it should be.
nigellica 4 years ago
Well, these are probably the funniest lyrics to this song that I've heard!
KatherineXIX 4 years ago
I most like the alterations to refer to current events (a la Stratfords "Little List") It was, after all, social criticism at the time. I like how clear the recording is, and don't mind the changes to the music, if the choreography and costumes are a bit campy. Let's be honest, pretty much everybody who knows G&S knows how it "should" be, but it isn't alive if you present it as dead matter. I especially like the choreographic bits from "Grease" in fit the crime.
adwaugh 4 years ago 3
At least they kept their clothes on for this seedy burlesque version. Meanwhile, in a quite English graveyard, Bridget D'oyly-Carte is doing 800rpm!
Delite1960 4 years ago 2
Was the thing with the crotch a reference to Cats?
Taskat 4 years ago
More likely a reference a Elvis
Jourell1 4 years ago
If it's after he does the moonwalk, then it's most likely a reference to Michael Jackson. Otherwise it's a reference to Elvis
LyssaMayJellybeans 4 years ago
I just adore David Gould's voice...and also, keep away G&S Puritans, your comments are really irritating to read, you don't like this, we GET IT! But some of us do, so don't spoil it for us...I've tried listening to the strictly original songs...but I like this upbeat version way better
ChioGaru 4 years ago
His voice scares me a bit-very baritone. and yes, this version is a bit slow-needs more of an upbeat tempo. But to each their own. I peronally enjoy the eric dinkin version of mikado more-was that in '84?
lcchocolate59 3 years ago
DISGUSTING..AN OUTRAGE..they should be arrested
stephenbiboy 4 years ago
The costume for the Mikado (Oh, Mikado!) was superb, as was Katisha's. I am not a huge fan of altering the lyrics, though (Although the Stratford Festival version of 'A Little List' was quite good). I think the trick is to strike a good balance between the original and the remade, and in my opinion, this errs a bit toward the remade side. Still lots of fun to watch, though!
Volantix 4 years ago
I agree twice-while I never did approve of changing Gilbert and Sullivan, I also have to admit this was very good. Variation is good, and these people have given that in proper moderation. But that's just my opinion.
metamorphos 4 years ago
I love Simon Galaher's production of 'The Mikado', 'Pirates of Penzance' and HMS Pinafore! And I just cannot get over Dave Gould's outrageous costume (or his deep deep voice for that matter ^^)
ChioGaru 4 years ago
most of the time they have to change things from the original version because today they would be considered vulgerly offnsive. like the song "as some day it may happen" there are alot of lines that would be taken as asexist, and racist.
Coryashire 4 years ago
Yes, so change a few words, but don't change the ENTIRE MUSICAL.
manwitheplan2002 3 years ago 5
oh geez, appreciate a little variation. if every production was the same, how interesting would that be? if you want to do it word for word, go make your own production.
BlackJack973 4 years ago
It is usually always sacrilegious to make any changes to a Gilbert & Sullivan opera that D'Oyly Carte didn't personally approve, but I have to say I enjoyed this production. Who'd've thunk G&S could work with flamboyant Broadway musical numbers? It does, and I love it. Thanks.
OldEtonian 4 years ago
No, not sacrilegious. There is a long history of scripting a different, more modern libretto to fit the times &/or country. I don't mind personalization of G&S, I DO mind the futile attempt to make it more funny than already it is --which is plenty!-- by use of slapstick, burlesque, and gayifying the characters.
Remember, burlesque was well established during the time when G&S were creating... and they eschewed it. So what happens?
This.
Ugh.
StarAcrux 3 years ago 2
disgusting -- turning a classic operetta into a slapstick joke.
justice139 4 years ago
wow that is so weird i like the real lyrics
nala92 5 years ago 2
But those are NOT the G&S lyrics. "Mitsubishi Hyundai Toyota Kawasaki..." - not even all Japanese!
cuddlyable3 5 years ago
any search on goodle can produce lyrics to all of G&S's classics! gorgeous production btw!
garythegit 5 years ago
Lyrics please! Well done!
cgramolt 5 years ago