This year our Drama Club has been doing a short study on the works of Gilbert and Sullivan - the father's of American Musical Theater. Earlier this year, we did an abridged version of Pirates of Penzance and now as we follow up with The Hot Mikado we look at how Gilbert and Sullivan's work has influenced American Musical Theater.
The original show - The Mikado was in fact written in 1885 as a protest against English Imperialism. Fifty years later, it was adapted as an American Swing Musical. The Swing version of The Mikado was done in 2 acts. The Swing orchestration by done by Charles L. Cooke. Original production opened 23 March, 1939; Broadhurst Theatre, New York. Over time parts of the original production were lost but enough. remainded to be recreated by David H. Bell. The music was adapted and arranged by Rob Bowman.
With the music transmuted into blues, Cab Calloway swing, hot gospel, scorching torch songs and 'Three Little Maids' turned into an Andrew Sisters' show-stopper, this zoot-suited, tap-dancing colourful show is certain to provide the ideal evening out for the whole family.
This year's afterschool musical group has been great at working within the parameters of safety - learning all of the dancing and singing you are about to see with personal protection gear on and working through various scheduling issues to allow every student who wanted to participate to be involved. Despite the trials of the year - it's been a great year for FIHS Drama.
In we are excited to perform this joyous musical for you as we look forward to a new year. Thank you for supporting FIHS Drama this year.
Tricia Williams
FIHS Drama
