Gilbert & Sullivans opera The Mikado was written over a hundred and twenty years ago but still entertains all around the world and particularly in North America. As it happens, the last Mikado I saw was a modernised version staged in The British Club in Bangkok, performed by a mixed British, American and Thai cast to a similarly mixed audience, which thoroughly enjoyed it.This production comes from Fredericton High School in Canada and retains the original settings and plot.Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado (Emperor), disguises himself as a travelling musician in order to escape from a marriage to Katisha, who is old and unattractive. He falls in love with Yum-Yum, the ward of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner. Unfortunately, Ko-Ko is also in love with Yum-Yum and plans to marry her himself. The Mikado has recently made a new law that forbids flirting under pain of death. Ko-Ko is under pressure to perform an execution and Nanki-Poo seems to be an ideal candidate. Then the Mikado arrives accompanied by Katisha, looking for Nanki-Poo.The performance that I saw started out very well with a great deal of energy and humour and the audience, mostly American High School pupils, was clearly enjoying it. Unfortunately, after the first few scenes, it became somewhat more routine.Most of the cast are reasonably good singers but the best is David Smith, who plays Nanki-Poo. As well as having an excellent singing voice, he also has good stage presence. Jack Foster is particularly funny as Pooh-Bah. The costumes are extremely well-done, and look authentically Japanese of the right period. Overall, its a good production but not exceptional.
