Reviews

Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman is a delightful and provocative piece of American musical political satire. Its subject matter is the respective ‘assassins’, or would be ‘assassins’, of certain Presidents of the United States of America. This ranges from John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, with others who were inspired by and followed Booth and Oswald in their egoistic drive to achieve some form of fame and importance, to be remembered, and to have a place in history.

First produced in New York in 1962 and London in 1963, this musical based on a comedy written by the Roman playwright Plautus some time in the second century BC, has graced many stages – if ‘graced’ is the correct word for a musical that is full of puns, naughty innuendo and pratfalls! Whatever, it’s been around for a long time and it still makes people laugh!

“Virtue is only triumphant in theatrical performances,” (so says the Mikado – Act 2). Perhaps he should have added, “Especially in the Stuart Maunder State Opera production of The Mikado”. It is a delight for the eyes and ears!

Set in a world of Asian/Western fusion with an abundance of ‘Hello Kitty’ and lollipop colours, this production is a shining example of how to update a G&S classic without removing the traditional elements, i.e. Gilbert’s words and Sullivan’s music.

Broadway’s favourite Asian leading-lady Lea Salonga gave a capacity audience at the Concert Hall exactly what they wanted, plenty of Broadway, plenty of movie, and a lot of pop. The Philippine performer who rose to stardom in 1989 as the original Kim in Miss Saigon has captivated audiences ever since, on Broadway in Flower Drum Song, Allegiance, and Once on This Island.