It was good to finally catch up with this elusive Arthur Sullivan piece in 2007 and I must admit it turned out to be much more enjoyable than I anticipated, thanks chiefly to the excellent acting and singing of the three principals, but also in no small measure to the excellent direction and production values of this surprisingly expansive, made-for-television production.
F.C. Burnand's far-fetched stage farce has its share of wonderful moments and although he nowhere approaches Gilbert's skill and wit (his lyrics rely heavily on repetition), the vocal talents of opera stars Russell Smythe, John Fryatt and Tom Lawlor make the many songs seem remarkably clever and melodic.
Sir Arthur Sullivan's music of course is a joy!
F.C. Burnand's far-fetched stage farce has its share of wonderful moments and although he nowhere approaches Gilbert's skill and wit (his lyrics rely heavily on repetition), the vocal talents of opera stars Russell Smythe, John Fryatt and Tom Lawlor make the many songs seem remarkably clever and melodic.
Sir Arthur Sullivan's music of course is a joy!