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CHEMISTRY IGNITES THE FLAME FOR HOT MIKADOThe heat is on as opera is cooking on jazz
They have really turned up the heat to produce a stunning show which is really vibrant and bustling with energy. Much of the credit for this must go to director Julie Easter who has really got the best out of the small but talented cast. They bring life to this souped up version of the Gilbert and Sullivan light opera which retains all its original wit and twists to the tale but has a far livelier score. Familiar numbers like A Wand'ring Minstrel I, The Mikado Song, Tit-Willow and Three Little Maids have a new vitality with the ragtime, gospel, blues and jazz beats taking over from the operatic originals. Easter herself makes a welcome return to a leading role, playing Katisha the spurned fiancé of the Mikado's son (Jim Shields). As is to be expected from her, she is superb voice throughout and nearly has Titipu's leading lights condemned to death until Ko-Ko pops the question. The latter is very well played by company stalwart Kevin Gamble and, as the Lord High Executioner, the works well with newcomer Jonathan Orton, the Lord High Everything Else. But the story really centres around the blossoming romance of the Mikado's son, alias Nanki-Poo, and Yum-Yum (Gilly Grigg). Both Sheilds and Grigg gel together really well and there is a chemistry between them which adds to the impact of the show. Grigg shows what a talented singer she is on ther solo slot The Sun And I and on the maids song where she teams up with Karen Paxton and Nicole Perkins. And completing the strong line up of principals are Mark Chinnery as The Mikado and Keith Reynolds as Pish-Tush, the coolest gentleman of Japan. Complementing them are a strong chorus who add a real touch of colour to the show with their bright costumes and strong singing and dancing. Choreographer Tina Kendrick has produced some very good dance routines and musical director David Walker gets the best out of the orchestra which keeps the show ticking along at the brisk pace. Nick Gilbert, The Echo
Copyright © Greasepaint Productions - Last modified 15/06/2003 |
There is a
real buzz at Loughborough Town Hall this week as Greasepaint Productions stage
the East Midlands Amateur Premier of Hot Mikado.