Hot Mikado

Thank you for inviting me to your very special production of Hot Mikado celebrating 100 years of the society. The choice of Hot Mikado was very fitting as it brought the society full circle from the first ever production in 1922 of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. I was interested to read the historical note about the first HAODS production in 1922 and to look through the archive photographs of that very first show. What a treasure to have! 

The show was very upbeat with the uplifting sounds of 1940's jazz, swing, and blues and a fusion of an American Speakeasy Club with traditional Japanese costuming and more modern Anime. The cast, though small worked very well together with excellent singing and energetic movement and dancing and it was great to see that they were clearly enjoying themselves on stage. Their characters were very well developed and the director had ensured that the principals worked together brilliantly with excellent chemistry. They had all mastered the variations in singing style necessary for this show and sang with superb diction and excellent dynamics. The principles were supported by a small ensemble, whose interaction was appropriate without being intrusive, remaining in character throughout and adding synchronised and stylish dancing to the musical numbers. The addition of pit singers worked well to swell the sound giving depth and richness to the ensemble numbers. 

The stage was simply set out, with a bridge positioned centre stage left and a high-level balcony. It was beautifully dressed with Japanese pink and white cherry blossom, wonderfully lit Chinese lanterns, fans and umbrellas. There were bright colour washes throughout which were very interesting and effective and the addition of pinky purple lighting really added to the club atmosphere.

Congratulations to HAODS on celebrating an amazing 100 years of entertaining the public and thank you for inviting me to be at such a special production. 

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