The Mikado
Backdrop for The Mikado, by Bernard Lamotte
The Ballet Russe Collection
Ballet version of the operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan,
choreographed by Antonia Cabos.
Music from Sir Arthur Sullivan's The Mikado arranged by
Vittorio Rieti.
Decor by Bernard Lamotte.
Premiere: Baltimore, October 1, 1954, by the Ballet Russe de Monte
Carlo.
"Even to one unfamiliar with 'The Mikado'...the general outlines
of the action must have been clear. It is obvious in this ballet
'Mikado' that a young fellow in black wig and a girl in another
black wig are smitten on sight. It is further obvious that their
mutual yen is painful to three sinister parties, one of who [sic]
is wearing a bright blue wig instead of the conventional
black."
Harry MacArthur, Washington Evening Star, October 5,
1954
The Mikado displayed both an interior and an exterior
scene; however, only the exterior scene has survived. The backdrop
is portrayed above; below you will find the complete set with
portal.
Outside scene with portal