OBSERVER: The Mikado
I was so excited and honoured to see the 90th anniversary Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria’s matinee production of Mikado.
Patience or ‘Bunthorne’s Bride’ for GSOV was my first-ever stage show and first ever lead role as an 18-year-old in the 1981 centenary production at MLC.
We are all most grateful and pleased that the tireless committee and skilled creative teams keep this wonderful company producing such a high calibre of show.
From the moment the overture began with such clarity and precision, I knew I was in for a marvellous musical treat.
The impeccable balance between the orchestra and voices was thrilling. I distinctly heard every lyric that was sung and every word that was spoken.
I had my three teen grandnieces attend that evening. It was their first ever opera and they were amazed, especially to hear the different timbres of voices from the accomplished soloists and the splendid harmonies of the ensemble pieces.
Little List Song was a laugh-out-loud, funny and clever number. The dialogue between Koko (John Parncutt) and Poo Bah (Peter Hanway) was exceptionally acted, and the harmonies between our three little maids were divine.
A special mention for Pitti-Sing (Katherine Stewart), what a lovely warm quality in her voice. Katisha held a magnificently proud figure, and the chemistry between Lynlee Williams and John Parncutt in There is Beauty in the Bellow and the Blast was hilarious.
Yum Yum (Cindy Lui) and Nanki-Poo (Lachlan McIntyre) were exquisitely matched. They performed to a high standard throughout this marathon, three-hour effort.
The most impressive aria, particularly for me (being a Soprano and knowing firsthand how technically difficult it is) was The Sun Whose Rays are all Ablaze.
Thank you, GSOV, for keeping the culture of Bel Canto singing alive for all our young up-and-coming singers.
Additional regional performances: July 26 in Queenscliff, August 2 in Stawell and August 9-10 in Cowes.
Further details: gsov.org.au
Review by Lucy Nicolson