The Mikado is possibly the most popular English language opera of our time. As a Japanese girl living in the U.S., I often had heard the stories surrounding this piece while growing up, so I was looking forward to seeing it. My very Japanese mother warned me to expect stereotypes and not to get mad or annoyed at the jokes that would be thrown my way. Nervously, I sat down in the beautiful Paramount Theater for what turned out to be one of the most incredible musical performances I have ever seen.
The Mikado tells the tale of the son of the Emperor of Japan, Nanki-Poo, who disguised himself as a wandering minstrel in order to flee from a marriage with Katisha. Nanki-Poo comes to Titipu and falls in love with Yum-Yum, who is engaged to her guardian Ko-Ko. Ko-Ko, who was condemned to death for flirting, was saved from execution by the emperor because the emperor wished to appoint him Lord High Executioner of Titipu.
The action is elevated when Ko-Ko discovers that his post will be abolished if he does not execute someone within the next month. Since he does not want to execute himself, Ko-Ko searches for a replacement. Nanki-Poo, who knows that Ko-Ko is to wed Yum-Yum, offers to die if he is allowed to marry Yum-Yum for a month.
This plot sets the scene for extraordinary comedy. From the main to supporting characters, the cast members execute their roles impeccably. Especially memorable are the antics of Pooh-Bah (Louis Dall'ava), the Lord High of everything else, including Commander-in-Chief, Secretary of State, Lord Chief Justice and Arch Bishop of Titipu.
But let me say that none of the characters, starting with their names, are remotely Japanese. As a matter of fact, the characters are more American than anything else. This is further reasserted when the characters continuously make fun of the United States. I imagine there are people who would be offended by this, or critics that would look down upon this, but where would we be if we couldn't laugh at ourselves?
Although most aspects of the opera are not Japanese, the set and costuming gave an authentic tone. The Japanese Garden set and the colorful Kimonos made me feel like I had been transported back to the Edo era.
But the one thing that etches an opera into your mind is the voices of the cast. If you have never heard a great opera voice before, nothing I write will explain it. Nevertheless, if you have, all I need to say is "beautiful" or "unforgettable" and you will know what I mean.
It is sad to think that The Mikado only played for one night. Of course, the Paramount always has something to offer. Simply by hosting a performance, the Paramount Theater instantly increases the quality of any show. Anyone who walks into this breathtaking theater will notice its one-of-a-kind aura in a heartbeat. It affects everyone, as everyday people begin to use gentle hand gestures and speak with a soft politeness. It is as though the green and gold trimmings that frame the theater suck the impurities out of the audience and throw them back into the outside world. No matter what you see, the Paramount Theater must be experienced.
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