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Reviews
The Mikado (1996)
It's not that bad
"The Mikado" was the last of the Essgee shows that I saw (the other two being "Pirates" and "Pinafore") and I have to admit that this is the worst of the three. I don't believe that it's horrible or anything, it's just nowhere near as fast-paced or entertaining as "Pirates" or "Pinafore" was. The jokes about nose mucus and various entertainers and politicians who were in the headlines at the time are quite slow and drawn-out but they did jog my memory about current events in 1995 and 1996. Terri Crouch's Kiwi accent lets her down a bit. I'm not prejudiced against New Zealand people because Derek Metzger is from New Zealand too and I like his voice. He is a better actor than Simon Gallaher (the Australian 'Nanki-Poo') but Gallaher has a better voice, especially when it comes to hitting the higher notes. Also, Helen Donaldson (Australian 'Yum-Yum') is a much better actor and singer than Terri Crouch. On the whole, the show is relatively entertaining and the sort of video you pull out on a rainy day but it is nowhere near as good as "Pirates" pr "Pinafore".
The Pirates of Penzance (1994)
Great Fun
I love 'The Pirates of Penzance'! Jon English, Simon Gallaher and Derek Metzger are all fantastic as their respective characters. My favourite person in this is Helen Donaldson, who is an absolutely adorable Mabel. Her voice is lovely and she hits every high note. She looks like a 10-year-old in 'When the Foeman Bares His Steel' though! Essgee have done a great job in updating a G&S show and I admit its not one for purists! Toni Lamond, the first woman to ever appear on Australian television, is a very sad, yet funny (!), Ruth. All of the songs in it are fantastic, even if they are all performed on synthesisers. Gallaher's rendition of 'Oh Is There Not One Maiden Here' is very sweet and heart-melting. Donaldson's 'Poor Wandering One' is AMAZING! Her coloratura is very well done. English's comic timing is great, especially 'Dear Pirate King I love your purple pants...' and he performs well with the other cast members, especially Toni Lamond, Helen Donaldson and Simon Gallaher. Any fan of musicals, especially Australian, should see this!