002 - The Mikado Or The Town Of Titipu Act 2

In this captivating recording, a single narrator brings to life the entire play, embodying all characters and even the stage directions. While the absence of Arthur Sullivan’s enchanting music and the flair of live actors may alter the experience, the delightful absurdity of Gilbert’s libretto shines through, providing endless entertainment. The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu is a comic opera in two acts, crafted by the brilliant duo of Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert, marking their ninth of fourteen operatic collaborations. Premiering on March 14, 1885, in London, the production enjoyed an impressive run at the Savoy Theatre, with 672 performances, making it one of the longest-running works in musical theatre history. By the end of 1885, it was estimated that at least 150 companies across Europe and America were staging this beloved opera. The Mikado holds the title of the most frequently performed Savoy Opera, particularly cherished by amateur and school productions. Its unique setting in Japan allowed Gilbert to cleverly satirize British politics and institutions, masking them behind a facade of Japanese culture—an insightful commentary that resonates through the ages. - Summary by Wikipedia and David Wales