I don't know how it's possible that I had never even heard of this musical, considering it turns out to be this classic Gilbert and Sullivan show. Well, now I've seen it, now I know.
This was not bad. It was good in fact. Put on at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, it was a very professional deal.
For a while I cringed at all the politically incorrect insulting-Asian jokes, but then you realize that they're in fact mocking England and so it's all ok. Despite knowing two people in this show (through Beth), nothing caught my attention until the Lord High Executioner, Ko-Ko, made his appearance and every scene from then on out was a joy! He threw his character around in a Jack Sparrow-type flamboyance, with a Jim Carrey-type self-consciousness that completely endeared the audience to him. I could've watched him all day and fortunately he was in most scenes, so it was great. The show builds on the typical Gilbert and Sullivan type misunderstandings and backwards logic and there were some fun fun songs.
Also kudos to the female antagonist (played by one of Beth's friends) who had a fun role as well and a great voice!
This show put a smile on my face. I'm glad I saw it.
