Re: Topsy-Turvy's Treatment of The Mikado

On Apr 8, 1:28=A0am, remysun2...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:
> The film surprised me by showing a solemnly respectful interpretation
> of Japanese culture on the part of Gilbert and Sullivan. I had always
> assumed it to be more cariacturististic. Is this something we've done
> to G&S in general or should I change my worldview?

Topsy Turvy in general is simply too solemn and reverential. Worth
seeing -- once or twice -- but not as useful as one's own input on The
Mikado.

In a few words I'd say that the dynamic between the beauty of
Sullivan's Japan-influenced western music and the comedy value of
Gilbert's thinly disguised English caricatures is, and should be,
maddening. Look to Verdi and Donizetti for examples of situations
where seriousness is treated lightly, and you'll see that G+S are in
good company.

Also T T ****trays success of Mikado as springboarding off failure of
Pricess Ida (Or: The Castle Adamant), which I rather like.