The Mikado

The Mikado
By Gilbert and Sullivan. GSOV. Director: Andrew McGrail. Musical Director: Timothy John Wilson. Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre. July 19 – 22, 2018

I have often seen Andrew McGrail perform for GSOV, but this is the first time I’ve seen him direct and I was impressed. It’s difficult to find something new to add to this old warhorse, but Andrew certainly did that.

It opened with a prologue taken from the film “Topsy Turvy”, detailing the events that led up to the creation of The Mikado. Sullivan, naturally, was played by the MD, Timothy John Wilson, who then took his place in the pit. It was interesting, but I’m not sure it added that much.

The highlight was the Ko Ko of Luke Belle. An experienced performer, his cheeky smile, winning personality, lovely, clean baritone, excellent diction and comic timing were a delight. The re-written “I’ve Got a Little List” was very funny. As Nanki Poo, Cameron Sibly had a more robust tenor than I am used to in this role. His singing was impressive, and he reined it in to balance perfectly in the Madrigal. He will be a great asset to the company.

The Three Little Maids were very good as gushing teenagers, with frenetic energy, which they maintained all evening. Melanie O’Brien displayed a warm mezzo as Pitti Sing while Sofia Laursen Habel as Yum Yum has a less mature voice and will need to work on her intonation. She and Cameron were a most convincing couple.

Jordan Kahler was a younger Katisha than we are used to, but her big voice and personality were used effectively. She was very funny, towering over the hapless Ko Ko in the finale. When he rolled onto his back, she tickled his stomach, a lovely touch.

Andrew Alessi, as the Mikado, has a lovely young baritone, while ever reliable Gianfranco Filonzi was a haughty Pooh Bah, though he will need to rein his big voice in more for the ensembles. The large chorus did well, and it was pleasing to see so many younger choristers.

The amplification worked well, though sometimes the orchestra was a bit loud. Occasionally the action would freeze and a ticking clock heard, but unfortunately the lighting change at this point was invariably late.

The costumes varied between English and Japanese, but it didn’t seem to matter.

This was an entertaining and innovative look at one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular works.

Graham Ford

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.