Gilbert and Sullivan classic
Camera IconGilbert and Sullivan classic Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Modern take on opera

Tanya MacNaughtonWanneroo Times

Her qualifications are currently being tested with the absurdity of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic production The Mikado, presented at Regal Theatre in May by ICW Productions.

She will be joined by Carabooda resident Chris Waddell, who is playing Mikado.

The popular comic operetta, in two acts, follows a silly storyline set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu where flirting has been declared illegal but everyone flouts the law at the risk of being beheaded.

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Gangemi is playing one of the three little maids Yum-Yum, which is her second role for the association after performing in the 2012 production of Oliver.

‘Everybody loves Yum-Yum and she loves herself as well,’ the 22-year-old said.

‘She thinks she’s the most beautiful girl and everyone wants to marry her, she has a lot of fun playing with that.

‘It’s great putting on the makeup, costume and getting into the character of this narcissistic girl, who is actually quite sweet and lovely but has her own agenda.’

Also starring in the production, complete with full orchestra, is opera singer Waddell, actor James Berlyn, Richard Symons, Fleur Brockway and Erin Bussanich.

Gangemi said director Mark Barford had chosen to add a contemporary spin to the traditional work, taking inspiration from the Japanese art form of anime.

‘It influences the costumes and a lot of the technology used, which contrasts with the beautiful Gilbert and Sullivan music that is quite traditional,’ she said.

‘I think that people who have loved Gilbert and Sullivan all their lives are going to love this production as well.

‘It’s a fresh take but it doesn’t lose any of the original story or music or characters; everything’s still there, we’ve just added this new element of modern Japan which will attract a younger audience.’

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