The Mikado Act II

[@HilaryBuxton]

I have seen several productions of the Mikado including the original D'Oyly Carte in UK. This is the best one I have seen.

[@gabriellew6467]

By far the best Mikado to be found on KZbin. There simply is no other Pooh Bah that can touch the incredible Richard McMillan. He was incomparable. While the whole production is wonderful, there is one more performance that elevates this one: the Mikado, Gidon Saks could not be bettered. An experience not to be missed.

[@TueSorensen]

Love this. I watch and listen over and over.

[@shtonker8]

I've lost count as to how many times I've watched this marvelous performance!!

[@ruthsayers1163]

It's ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. HMS PINAFORE AND THE MIKADO ARE MY 2 FAVOURITE G&S "OPERETTA'S," could you call them that? My Mother used to call them that. THEY'RE JUST BRILLIANT AND AMAZING. EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM IS. I could live for them. The words, the tunes, everything about them.

[@kyndramb7050]

I grew up watching this. My Nana recorded on VHS when it first aired. I count myself as very lucky that this is the version I know. Innis THEE BEST!

[@kyndramb7050]

@@ruthsayers1163 They are absolutely categorized as operettas.

[@patrikwright2658]

I watch this at a school outing,aged 15.loved every song.too see it again 50yrs later with a minimum of scenery shows the brilliance of GILBERT AND SULLIVAN.thanks for showing it.

[@francisfischer7620]

I've seen more than one Mikado, and this is by far the most delightful!

[@MrSwifts31]

Can you believe that the Mikado(Gidon Saks)who is so good,was only 22 when sang this?! It was at the urging of his singing teacher that he auditioned for the part.

[@sharonholdren7588]

One must never underestimate the contributions of youth, nor ignore the advice of experience.

[@JayPabalat]

@@sharonholdren7588 very well said!!

[@andrewferguson5653]

I never knew he was that young!

[@chazbrennan9632]

The richness and elegance of the costumes forms a balletic counterpoint to the ironic humor and fun, and the slapstick comedy. Instead of trying to de-Japan it, they put respect into the magnificent designs and so the story celebrates a captivating fairytale culture as it satirises British penal and social mores.

[@philismenko]

The costumes add so much to the satirical nature of it, it only looks Japanese as a way of poking fun, when in fact a lot of the the satire is of British

[@monyanemoleleki3356]

This is all very classy

[@geoffbabirecki]

A fabulous production. As a former Poo-Bah and member of the D'Oyly-Carte opera trust I would like to offer everyone involved my congratulations!

[@madeleinebaier3896]

Geoff Babirecki what a wonderful memory! Poo-bah is my favorite!

[@pamelabond6551]

Truly a five star production for one of musical theater's most brilliant works from Gilbert and Sullivan.Our theater to the north executes this incarnation with razor-sharp integrity, seamless work and a cast/crew deserving an ensemble award.Worth every moment to see the Canadian cast demonstrates the pure, love and respect

[@josephhealy5444]

Awesome singing, acting, and dancing! Super entertaining.

[@triciamills5954]

I have never seen any Gilbert and Sullivan Operas ,before in my life I’m a young 75😀 and yes I loved the Mikado so much.Thankyou for showing it all the way through. It will be great to watch it all over again. 🤩👍🏻

[@Partnerfrance]

EXCELLENT! Not only the singing, but the direction, staging, choreography and costumes!

[@ruthsayers1163]

EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!

[@dougr.2398]

@@ruthsayers1163 dont forget the characterizations!!

[@roderickwright3199]

Agreed excellent

[@marypagones6073]

This is the only Mikado I've ever seen in which I think Ko-Ko and Katisha actually could be a very happy couple in the end. This whole production is just so delightfully Canadian and wholesome.

[@BethDiane]

I find it amusing that they chose a very sort of down-home accent for most of the "common" characters. I'm particularly impressed with Eric Donkin's versatility with accents--in the 1980 H. M. S. Pinafore, he played Sir Joseph Porter with a very good Queen's English accent.

[@mattban4136]

This is the ONLY production of the Mikado that matters. ❤

[@roderickwright3199]

@@mattban4136 Don't agree - the D'Oyly Carte production with John Reed is equally worthy

[@Panwere36]

This is one of the best productions. However, the song "If that is so" sows the reality that yes, they will be happy. The line about "sufficiently decayed" is an expression where Ko-ko and Katisha are admitting that they both would rather not have to deal with having children. Ko-ko earlier had stated about seeing being LHE as a "purely nominal position", meaning he didn't see reason to execute people except for worthy offenses. Also, Katisha really only wanted love, and honestly.. Ko-ko really had no business trying to marry a ward in his custody.

[@KittyStarlight]

To marypagones6073: Agree all the way. Glad you noticed it too. ☑️

[@TheSashapooch]

Exactly, what a production of The Mikado should be! Thank you for the opportunity to watch this.

[@celticceltic99]

The energy level of the cast is amazing. Great show, thanks for posting!

[@harrietgate]

I was lucky enough to have front row seats for this in Stratford, Canada. Went to all the G and S operettas they did as well as Gypsy, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof. All of these are very effective in introducing children and young people to the wealth of music out there.

[@francescasantorolhoir2805]

I just saw the elegant Jonathan Miller "1920's" Mikado in London at the ENO, and while I enjoyed it immensely on its own terms, this Canadian production made me realise how much of Gilbert's humour was lost in the slicked-up London production with its tap-dancing chorus of hotel maids. In the London production, some of Gilbert's best lines-"modified rapture," "to add corroborative detail to a bald and unconvincing narrative," "... my left elbow (on view Tuesdays and Thursdays upon presentation of a visiting card)"- were lost, due to the amount of simultaneous business going on in the bleached white lobby of the "English seaside resort". I was delighted that this Canadian production, with its splendid choreography, its minimal but charming sets, and its traditional costumes [The harmonizing pastels of the women's kimonos are a marvel to behold.], put Mr Gilbert's humour back into Mr Sullivan's unforgettable operetta. Delightful production!

[@tommytimp]

It was the 30s, not the 20s.

[@fatak5106]

@@tommytimp I am sure it is 1920s, the bob haircut and the silhouette really screams 1920s

[@ruthsayers1163]

@@fatak5106 People can still have bob haircuts now, can't they????? In 2021????? Some things never go out of date!!!!!!!!!

[@drbob528]

As a lifetime G&S tragic, this is the finest production of The Mikado I've ever seen (and there have been many of them). Congratulations to all concerned. ... OK, after seeing Act II, I've had to edit this ... the performance isn't just fine ... it was fabulous.

[@divinefeminine7012]

My grandparents took me to see The Mikado live while I was about 4 and a half. What an incredibly well sophisticated opera.

[@ruthsayers1163]

Did you like it at that age? Some of it must have seemed strange to you, you might not have understood a lot of it when you were that young. It's a pity in a way to take a very young child to something like this, because if you hadn't liked it, or had been scared by some of it, it could have put you off G&S for life, and that would have been really awful.

[@MrCuddlyable]

@@ruthsayers1163 Fear not! My mother took me to see it at the same young age. Indeed I probably understood none of it then but I formed a crush on Yum-Yum in the person of a young Valerie Masterson (D'Oyly Carte production). She hooked me on G&S for life which is wonderful.

[@juliadagnall5816]

This has my favorite version of ‘Sing a Merry Madrigal’. The harmony is lovely and they way they work pouring tea into the song is so funny and sweet

[@5447ray]

the very best mikado I have ever seen

[@stellardendrite]

I grew up watching this version, my parents had taped it off of PBS. I wore out the tape by the age of seven. The first thing I ever learned to play on the piano was the Mikado’s theme, and I’m a G and S devotee still. I’ve been in this one, ‘Patience,’ and ‘The Pirates if Penzance.’ I’ve seen many other versions, but this remains my absolute favorite!

[@akirak1871]

I've just gotten into G&S a year or two ago. I've watched versions of all of them except "The Grand Duke" and "Utopia, Limited", but they're available on KZbin - I just have to find time to watch them! I recently bought "The Complete Gilbert and Sullivan" librettos along with a book that reviews and analyzes every opera in great detail. There's really nothing like G&S in this day and age. Well, come to think of it, there was nothing like them in any age before either. It's so rare for artists to blend hilarity and sentimentality without one detracting from the other, but these two guys did it flawlessly.

[@kyndramb7050]

I also grew up watching this version! My Nana recorded it on VHS when it first came out. My Grandpa eventually recorded it on DVD. But there are still parts that are worn out. Aren't we lucky that thisnis the version we know and love?

[@stellardendrite]

@@kyndramb7050 Very lucky! This is still one of my most favorite G and S adaptations. The costumes are so beautiful, and the whole production design really.

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

I have seen several performances of "The Mikado", in theatres, on television, and on KZbin. This Stratford production is, by far, my favourite. I was lucky enough to see it performed live oh so many years ago.

[@voodootrois]

47:03 RIP Christina James (2018 May 15, Age 79). She gave a great and memorable performance, one of several highlights in this fantastic cast. She was survived by her daughter, step-children and husband David James... not alone.

[@claytonvyoung]

Oh!!! Thank you, sbs5130. I had no idea that Christina passed away. She was truly a fantastic performer.

[@ruthsayers1163]

What part was she?

[@ippfcolaykincomm4312]

@@ruthsayers1163 She played "Katisha"...It's in the credits!!! Joel Laykin....>>>>HK , China

[@reighfreuden6473]

Her Katisha performance has touched me and stayed with me for years, and been a refuge for me when recovering from a breakup. Her art lives on ♥️

[@dad675]

I'm a die-hard Savoyard. I've seen most G & S live by D'Oyle Carte or G & S for All. I appreciate this update without losing the original concept. Well done all. I'm now 72 and living in SA so these are my only contacts with professional productions.

[@AvromBaker]

Absolutely fabulous thank you for sharing this

[@StevenTorrey]

They certainly made the production their own! A great performance....from Stratford Festival in Canada, 1982. Had to especially like Pooh Bah....

[@Xerxes2005]

He looks like Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the Prime Minister at the time...

[@madeleinebaier3896]

Steven Torrey Oh yes! Poo Bah always steals the show!

[@maggielauramcmillan]

that's my dad! ❤️

[@jeffshirton7234]

@@maggielauramcmillan I was sorry to hear of his passing. I absolutely loved his performance in this production!

[@maggielauramcmillan]

@@jeffshirton7234 so sweet of you to say, he would be so pleased 💕

[@gustavoscalabrin5028]

Most epic entrance ever

[@Huaimek861]

This is an exceptionally beautiful production , direction , choreography , costumes , music , singing with vitality and verve . I think Gilbert and Sullivan would have approved this authentic presentation of the Mikado . I am taken back so many years when I first saw the Mikado performed by the Hereford UK Amateur Operatic Society in the 1940s , who were excellent .

[@pankajbharvad1883]

7no

[@mothbyte98]

I don't think so. Gilbert especially would have disapproved of the energy and goofiness of this production, believing it funnier if his words were sung straight-faced. This is still my favourite production of the Mikado, however.

[@Huaimek861]

Yes, I do agree, Gilbert and Sullivan's operas should be played straight, the humour is written in the dialogue and situations.

[@njlillycline]

It makes me very sad to think that these beautiful stage productions will fade eventually, the younger generation doesn’t understand nor appreciate them and will not make an effort to preserve them, maybe even try to destroy it. Very sad, life has very little pleasures besides enduring classics like this

[@annedavis3340]

People said the same about your generation, and whatever generation you're talking about will say the same about generations after THEIRS. People who didn’t like Jane Austen when they were 9 love it when they're 30, etc. Just cause you'll be dead before the tree grows doesn’t mean it won't cast shade for others to rest in. A lot of times, it's high membership fees, or lack of word of mouth, that’s keeping "younger generations" out of various societies. It's not that there's a total lack of interest. The number of times I've seen someone’s eyes light up when they hear there's a Jane Austen Society.

[@janicedodson1018]

This is the best version I have ever seen. The costumes are perfect and the acting/singing marvelous.

[@mitchellminer9597]

Simply the best. Thanks for posting.

[@jamesmackenzie8271]

I have been searching for this for YEARS!! Thank you.

[@claytonvyoung]

Your welcome!

[@chappellfarmsllc5547]

Watched the American saoryards

[@UtahGmaw99]

My kids grew up watching this on video tape. Excellent production!

[@llcrow9693]

Gidon Saks was only 22 years old. Absolutely love his Mikado!

[@crazyman8472]

Terrific vocal range, from high to low! 😁

[@ginawiggles918]

Simply superb.

[@Medusa7700Siren]

Can’t help but love Katisha, Koko, and Poobah 👏👏👏😁

[@michaelrimmington4981]

I am 82, my parents were great lovers of G&S and I have heard or seen countless productions and I do believe this is one of the best I have come across. when I see a production I ask myself " Would Gilbert have approved of it?" In this case I am certain he would have enjoyed every minute,

[@claytonvyoung]

michael, thank you for your wonderful comment

[@rondareynolds5204]

Thank you for posting great production and loverly costumes I enjoyed it immensely

[@dorisafejuku968]

Great performance! Really enjoyed it. Beautiful costume.

[@harrietkrauss3294]

I had a copy of this years ago copied from tv on vhs-it is without the BEST performance all round that I have EVER seen! the stage settings are enough are enough to take your breath away-LOVE Pooh-Bah!

[@melissalysk1039]

I watch this about every two weeks!❤

[@richardboudville5188]

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you all very much indeed. From Perth, Western Australia.

[@Goodyearmonkey]

This is the best Mikado I’ve seen. The level of expertise is insane. Just look at how quick and fluid the bows at the end are.

[@ruthsayers1163]

I've LOVED G&S SINCE I WAS A CHILD!!!!! I first saw HMS Pinafore when I was about 10 or 11, it was a school production at a school that I was going to go to I TOTALLY FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. The school did The Mikado a few years later, and I loved watching that. The words and the songs are SO AMAZING. EVERYTHING'S AMAZING ABOUT THEM. G&S WERE SO GOOD WITH WORDS, THE PLAYS ON WORDS ARE BRILLIANT. I REALLY LOVE THEM. G&S WERE VERY GIFTED. BETWEEN THEM THEY WROTE SOME REALLY GREAT THINGS.

[@agedp3293]

So glad I found this eventually! Superb direction - tableaux are real works of art, choreography stunning, characterisation punctilious and genuinely funny: what a brilliant pooh-Bah and a wonderfully OTT Mikado! This makes the Eric Idle version look even more embarrassing...

[@tserkoslavjanskij]

This is one of the most enjoyable, satisfying productions I've seen. I like everything about it except one: the accents of the singers. Sorry, fellow viewers. These North American accents are as out of place as the flowers of spring: they have nothing to do with the case. I'm reminded of a remark attributed to George Balanchine, who's reputed to have said that at dance, if one doesn't like the choreography, one can close one's eyes and enjoy the music. At least if a person doesn't like much about the Eric Idle version, one can do that. Here, closing one's ears destroys the sounds and the sense.

[@ruthsayers1163]

@@tserkoslavjanskij I didn't even notice the North American accents!!!!!!!!! I was so carried away loving the performance.....................I JUST LOVE THE MIKADO!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HMS PINAFORE AS WELL.

[@alisonrhodes7312]

Well that’s embarrassing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Eric Idle version.

[@marypagones6073]

As well as the incredible performances, I have to commend the marvelous pace of this music--so much faster (and for the better) than many Mikados I've heard.

[@NewMusicWeekly]

I instead thought that the fast tempi impinged on the clear articulation and comprehension of Gilbert's lyrics.

[@Bitternov]

Mesmerizing. Too brilliant!...

[@normannorman8046]

I was enchanted. Wonderful performance.

[@folioio]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more delightfully OTT Mikado, so I looked up the actor, Gidon Saks. The exuberance may just have had to do with his being 22 years old at the time 😂 Great production.

[@SuperHartline]

What does OTT mean?

[@folioio]

Reuben Hart It means “over the top.” He is, and more power to him 😊

[@chazbrennan9632]

His confidence is huge and infectious.

[@RationalThinker1859]

That madrigal is brilliant. Gosh, brilliant production.

[@hotradiogaga]

I love that the Mikado is a completely psychopath

[@juliadagnall5816]

I love how when he’s laughing maniacally at the end everyone else (including Katisha!) is sort of slowly backing away and Nanki-poo is just looking at him like: you okay, Dad?

[@prorish1]

The famous duo Gilbert and Sullivan’s brilliant musical has been superbly directed and acted and sung by these wonderful artists! Gilbert’s brilliant Japanese language inclusion “Miya sama “ and “oo nee bikuri shakuri to” brings an authenticity to the musical! We had acted and sung this musical in our school in the sixties. Thoroughly enjoyed viewing this superb performance not forgetting the brilliant conductor and musicians playing in the background and which brought back so many memories! Thank you!

[@andrewmensah1904]

This brings back the best memory of my boarding school days...playing the role of Ko-Ko in our rendition of The Mikado , April 1982. Happy days....

[@ianoliver3879]

Only bloody brilliant. Thank you very, very much.

[@SuperHartline]

The minimalistic set is innovative and enhances the whole. Splendid version of this masterpiece. Gidon Saks is perhaps the first to play the Mikado as a full blown psychotic. He's fabulous. As for Eric Donkin, he's incomparable. All the others are better than average.

[@robertanderson2017]

Brings back memories, in the early 60's in our grammar school we did a school play of the Mikado. Of course we were not very professional, but I could sing along with this and my wife was amazed. Whenever you are in a play ( in my case anyway) the songs stay with you your whole life.

[@esipido]

Really wonderful! Beautiful arrangement! Happy I could watch this!

[@zazufanlionking6517]

I think everyone performing here are great!! Especially the Mikado and Pooh Bah

[@marilynsitaker4198]

Best Pooh Bah EVER!!!

[@reighfreuden6473]

This Pooh-Ba is my spirit animal

[@fionatanzer5270]

what a delightful rendition!

[@starbug1409]

"Chop it off! Chop it off! CHOP IT OFF!" XD

[@andrewmarch7891]

The whole thing; brilliant, really brilliant, a tale well told.

[@phil2u48]

Delightful. Great cast.

[@lilacseason5187]

This was a great production. Nice to see the actors having fun. I subscribed to this channel.

[@1780scottie]

The singing…fabulous and the costumes fantastic and beautiful.

[@philmcdonald4778]

The best G & S I've ever seen.

[@donniefriedman6820]

What a treasure! Thanks for posting this. I remember seeing it at Stratford. Viva G and S

[@shtonker8]

Just outstanding!! I've watched this many times and enjoy it more with age. Something I hope can be said of me! Tra La...

[@francisfischer7620]

Continued magnificence!

[@wanna7017]

Thank you so much for sharing.

[@markthomas9769]

Pish-Tush... What a voice! Bravo.

[@cjcomplex4494]

Thank you for uploading this :D

[@10cabe]

Thank you. I finally found Act II. Thank you for sharing this performance.

[@toniomalley5661]

Beautiful brilliant

[@crab-dogjones4659]

Great comedic timing and the singing is top-notch. They absolutely nail all my favorite songs in the 2nd act (which is pretty much all of them). Yum-Yum in particular has such a sweet tone and a mellower high end than is usual. Among my favorite renditions of "The sun whose rays are all ablaze..." and "Here’s a how-de-do!" Also an outstanding "Brightly dawns our wedding day..." I don't expect anyone to agree but the only low point for me is the Mikado himself who, love him or hate him, you must admit is rather chewing up the scenery. Now, I'm not one of these folks who laments how farcical the plays have become, I see that as a natural evolution with the times. Victorian-era bureaucracy is no longer part of people's lived experience so a straight satire might come off a bit dry compared to how lively these operettas are supposed to feel. I find it plausible that farce captures that spirit more effectively for a modern audience, though I do sympathize with the traditionalists. Having said that, I prefer a more restrained performance from the eponymous patriarch and find all the mugging here a bit cloying. And his song is about 10 bpm too fast for my taste. And I prefer the part be sung by a bass, even though it was traditionally a bass-baritone. I just think it helps distinguish the Mikado from the other great baritones in the play while contributing to his imposing presence. I know other people love him is this role so don't take my critique personally. I'm not knocking him to knock him, just love getting into the details with other fanatics. Other than that personal idiosyncrasy I see myself coming back to this page many times and can't wait to hear the 1st act.

[@crab-dogjones4659]

Ok, amusing anecdote: I actually listened to recordings of the songs for a long time (decades) before I even knew there was a libretto. I thought the songs were the whole thing, like a rock opera. So, needless to say, some aspects of the story seemed very confusing. For example I didn't realize for many years that they're just making up the events in "The criminal cried as he dropped him down..." I thought all that stuff really happened. And I didn't know Nanki-Poo was essentially a caricature. I thought we were supposed to take his schtick at face value and for a long time didn't like his songs because of it. Once I saw the actual play (on KZbin) I realized how tongue-in-cheek the role is and warmed up to it considerably. (Had a similar experience with Morrissey and The Smiths, oddly enough)

[@aavdovaudio6938]

This version of the Mikado is simply the best!

[@wjr15-79]

LOVED THIS!

[@HaraldManninga]

Anyone but me thinking that Katisha looks like Magaret Thatcher in "Spitting Image"?

[@janeandrews1790]

This is my FAVORITE Mikado. It's simply the best.

[@sdearing6375]

This is one of my favorite performances of this operetta

[@archibaldwhitwerr1918]

31:31 you can tell the Mikado wanted his own metal band as a kid.

[@mariaantonietta8485]

Wonderful! ❤️👌🏻

[@vulpezerdavulcan9055]

*intensely ships not only nanki poo x yum yum and koko x catisha but also the other two pairs that arose, they fit one another perfectly*

[@crazyman8472]

Ship it! Ship it good! 😍

[@kbye2321]

What are the other two pairs, if I can ask?

[@ericsearle2841]

A wonderful all round production. Loved the voice of Nanki pooh. Have played in the orchestra for one production. And in the chorus for two. And most of the other G and S operettas. Hate to see them turned into Pantomime as was the dreadful Eric Idle production. Three little maids from school. As St Trinians. YUK. . Must be TRADITIONAL for me. The. Singing. Of the Chorus spot on. All the Principles Excellent. WELL DONE.

[@maggiesmith2600]

His voice was fine but he was a terrible actor.

[@alexpaulk2819]

Dude…. I’m obsessed with this performance’s Pooh-Bah and I love him with all my heart… I was crying laughing when I first watched this for an English course I took three or four years ago

[@deefranklin1638]

Oh!!! The bridal preparation!!!!

[@ronsiedavie2377]

I love this version.

[@WEDGE1125]

the best mikado ever!

[@crazyman8472]

15:05 Here’s a how-de-do! 😵‍💫 22:59 “Sooner or later, it must be done!” “Must it?” 😎 28:11 “A more human Mikado…” 😁 39:28 “Something lingering, with boiling oil in it…” 😱

[@megbailey8567]

A wonderful performance

[@ferdecla]

33:33 Ko-ko 44:23 quarteto 52:43 koko 56:10 Katisha - Koko

[@seniorskateboarder5958]

This production is incredible. This cast and director make Mikado one of my favorite pieces of my literary heritage. I think that it is so tragic that the Japanese consulate and Japanese community organizations are so racist as to claim that we can no longer do this production in America. How dare we let these foreigners dictate to us what we can and cannot enjoy of our own literary heritage.

[@kbye2321]

This is a Canadian production of a quintessentially Victorian British work, though…

[@cotoprivado]

Excellent!

[@charliesegovia7412]

25:29 miyasama 30:08 a more human mikado 34:10 the criminal cried 1:00:39 final

[@ronsiedavie2377]

I especially like the way they have stuck to the original.

[@philmcdonald4778]

Top class.

[@brianappleby5112]

Great version

[@philismenko]

He should have disguised as a 3rd trombone

[@オガタタカチカ]

センス抜群😊