G&S’s ‘Mikado’ a source of innocent merriment
THE SAVOY opera, The Mikado, by Gilbert and Sullivan (G&S), is set in Titipu. But it’s unlikely an atlas will show any Japanese town so called, Chichibu, in the western portion of Saitana Prefecture, is nearest. Yet – according to WS Gilbert’s sparkling libretto and Arthur Sullivan’s bubbly music - that is where the “virtuous” Mikado – Emperor of Japan resides. The Mikado, in spite of proclaiming “A more humane Mikado never did in Japan exist” has decreed that “the act of flirting – when not conubially linked is punishable by death”.
That’s the gist behind what is, arguably, the most popular of G&S Savoy operas. Celebrating The Mikado’s 130th year, Cape Town’s G&S Society is celebrating its 100th production by presenting this opera at Artscape Theatre from July 18 to 26.
Last produced in Cape Town in 1986 with Peter Kramer as The Mikado, Kramer is once again taking the title role. But not having sung for some time he decided his voice needed “brushing up” so returned for singing lessons to Magriet Stemmet.
“I think I’ve grown into my voice” he says “The Mikado is just up my street. Really suitable to my baritone and character... a bit ‘wicked’ and quirky.”
He may think himself that but Kramer is essentially a people’s person. Just watch how he interacts with clients when holding his expos at theatres around Cape Town. As well as how he “makes you feel he’s talking directly to you” when he presents Klankpalet on Saturday evenings on Fine Music Radio. Standing at 1.88 his inherit stagecraft, authoritative bearing, sonorous voice, operatic experience makes him an ideal Mikado.
Kramer’s musical background goes back to childhood. Only child of music personalities Hans and Greta Kramer (remember House of Music in Langham House in Long St?) Kramer reveres his parents for the discipline instilled in him at all levels. “After compulsory military service Dad took me into his shop, refusing to allow me to sell a single record until I knew every item in stock (it was huge) as well as everything about artist, composer, conductor etc etc etc. A heavy order, but I was made to stick with it and bless my parents every day because it carries me through my Mezzo Forte business selling CDs and DVDs.”
Kramer’s singing began at Christian Brothers College. He learnt piano with Mrs Reynolds (irreverently called Fussy Gussy). “I guess I was a bit of a rebel growing up. However my parents, somehow, succeeded keeping on the straight and narrow. Possibly this was through music and being part of Cape Town’s active musical scene... my parents formed the Concert Club back in the early 1950s. It’s for me wonderful that that which Dad began is still going strong under Louise Howlett.”
Kramer’s singing career has seen him sing alongside Andrea Catzel, Manuel Escorcia, Sally Presant, Lawrence Folley, Virginia Davids and Virginia Oosthuizen. He’s sung King of Egypt in Aida and in the South African premier of Hugo du Plessis’s Huguenot Cantata. He reckons his crowing glory was as Guglieimo in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte.
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Karen WilsonHarris as Yum-Yum and Marco Titus as Nanki-Poo. time round Roché Buckle is directing. “Its my first major show in a professional venue and I vacillate between being excited and nervous. It’s a huge responsibility producing G&S’s 100th production. Not only that, we are making our 4th visit to the G&S Festival in Harrogate, with performances also in Buxton and Skipton. Although some of our 38 cast are young newcomers there are a number, such as Peter K, who’re contributing years of experience thus giving balance to our production.”
As a director Buckle’s approach is engagingly fresh. She’s strict about groupings, moves, eye contact and sightlines to ensure singers are always visible. Buckle has kept The Mikado in Japanese tradition. “Sets by Michele Hough and Jaco Janse van Rensburg are (plus a few surprises) a typical Japanese garden... cherry blossoms generating a calming Zen effect. In strong contrast Kirstine Berg’s kimonos are bright; footwear are time-honoured getas (flip-flops) and men’s headgear are outsized Japanese topknots. Peter’s is specially exotic adding additional majesty to his strong stage presence and rich powerful voice.”
Backed by 40 years experience with Cape Town’s G&S Alastair Cockburn again comes in as musical director. He started back in 1975, in Ruddigore, as rehearsal accompanist – a role now taken by Helen Broekmann. Watching him conduct a musical rehearsal, its immediately apparent his detailed attention to detail “Remember the quavers. Pronounce consonants. Keep pace together. Watch rhythms and sing from the soul” all form guidance he gives.
After directing 12 Savoy operas Teddy Davies dons a new hat as production consultant. Said Davies “this involves mentoring new performers, technical staff, presently headed by Waldo Buckle, and sitting beady eyed with pen and notepad making Think-Tank-Box notes”.
Having attended some rehearsals, I’ve noted how youthful energy, topped by a towering Kramer’s Mikado, makes for this anniversary production having “everything as a source of fun, brass crashing and trumpets braying as well as being a source of innocent merriment”.
Tickets: R90-260, 021 421
7695.