Gilbert and Sullivan, Qualex and Calynx, Kodak and Utopia Limited

Film Production - Gilbert and Sullivan, Qualex and Calynx, Kodak and Utopia Limited

As you may know, and I note with sadness, due to new digital imaging processes, Eastman Kodak ceased operating its Qualex photofinishing facilities this year, 2009.

Qualex sacked many people at their 53 laboratories, and operations at their 43,000 stores across the US were, um, shuttered. Eastman Kodak is still in business, providing digital and photochemical products and services.

"Kodak" was trademarked in 1888, and the Eastman Kodak company was formed in 1892. With its popular advertising slogan "You press the button, we do the rest," Kodak simplified complex photography, and made amateur snapshots easy.

In this current year of 2009, I'm looking forward to a wonderful production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Utopia Limited," which was first produced in 1893.

"Utopia Limited" is a brilliant show, lampooning corporate shenanigans, war, riots, takeovers, and bailouts. To make it current to the imploding 2009 economy, fewer than a dozen words needed changing.

In "Utopia Limited," my favorite character is Qualex, er, Calynx, Vice Chamberlain of the Topsy-Turvy island paradise of Utopia.



In his "Utopia" lyrics, W.S. Gilbert actually mentions the timely snapshot craze, and Kodak by name. On introduction, the King's twin teenage daughters sing:

KALYBA
Then all the crowd take down our looks
In pocket memorandum books.
To diagnose
Our modest pose
The Kodaks do their best.

NEKAYA
If evidence you would possess
Of what is maiden bashfulness
You need only a button press...

KALYBA
And we will do the rest.

Sleep, my little Qualex. Good night, sweet prints.

Sam

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