Gilbert and Sullivan are the undisputed masters of comic operetta and the proud parents of the modern musical. That their works are more in demand today than when they were created over a century ago is ample proof of their lasting brilliance. The hapless lovers in The Mikado are mercilessly buffeted by social restrictions, legal inconsistencies, judicial inequities, government stupidities, and that's just the first act. Poor dears - it would be absolutely tragic if it weren't so hysterically funny.
Added by Upcoming Robot on February 17, 2011