Topsy-Turvy

We're watching "Topsy-Turvy," a 1999 movie about Gilbert & Sullivan and their making of "The Mikado." It was difficult to find a copy of the video, even though the package declares that "23 film critics called it one of the best films of 1999!" It wasn't available on DVD, but I finally tracked down a VHS tape at the public library.

It seemed really necessary. Miss C has become such a big G&S fan, between summer camps at San Francisco Conservatory of Music ("Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes") and lessons with her wonderful voice teacher, who is very involved with Lamplighters Music Theatre in San Francisco -- a mostly G&S troupe.

We're set to attend Lamplighters' "Singalong Mikado" soon (having seen their "Patience" in January). So we need to know the music, and having the historical background only enriches the experience.

Considering the influence of G&S on early Broadway musicals, this study is really essential for my music-loving girl.