Mikado Cast & Production

"non-stop fab" \| "the depth of musical talent in this production is truly amazing!" \| "delightful, charming, and fun" Gilbert & Sullivan's Mikado rediscover the fun see Mikado videos on YouTube April 9 through 25 Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30, Sunday matinees at 2:30 in the Sprenger Theatre of the Atlas Performing Arts Center - general admission

left to right: Alan Palacios Chan (Nanki-Poo), Laura Stuart (Yum-Yum), Jase Parker (Ko-Ko), Sarah Powell (Peep-Bo), Laura Stuart, Daniele Lorio (Pitti-Sing). Photos by Jeff Malet Photography
The Story? Nanki-Poo is escaping marriage to Katisha, Yum-Yum thinks Nanki-Poo is cute and would rather marry him than Ko-Ko, Ko-Ko wants to marry Yum-Yum but would also like to keep his head, and the Mikado would like his son back. Pooh-Bah is, of course, Lord High Absolutely Everything, Ko-Ko has his little list, and the Mikado is a Washington politician and pundit

director Cindy C. Oxberry
music director Shawn Burke-Storer

The Mikado DAVID WILLIAMS
Nanki-Poo ALLAN PALACIOS CHAN
Ko-Ko JASE PARKER
Pooh-Bah SCOTT KENISON
Pish-Tush SEAN PFLUEGER
Yum-Yum LAURA STUART
Katisha JENNIFER RANDALL
Peep-Bo SARAH POWELL
Pitti-Sing DANIELE LORIO

ensemble

DIRECTOR’S NOTE by Cindy C. Oxberry

When I was first approached to remount my production of THE MIKADO by Kathleen Mitchell, President of the Washington Savoyards, and Tom Pedersen, Artistic Director, I was surprised and honored. To have the opportunity to do so is sheer fun! So I am delighted to be back in Washington, DC.

W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were masters at their craft so to let the brilliant music and libretto tell the story, takes no genius on my part. But being a 21 st century American and working in the District, I have lived through astonishing times in this city. Here in the nation’s capital where politics pulses in its veins, I just couldn’t help it – again. Yes, I thought, “Put American politics into the dialog, (again)?” “Yes,” I said!

So tonight you will hear the characters speak with words that will be saturated with good old fashioned Washington politics! And, I have taken the politics and all the Titiputians and moved the entire production into the 21 st century. We are in Titipu, 2010 and everywhere you will look the style of architecture, fashion, and politics has a flair all its own!

The characters are real, but their dilemmas are funny indeed. Whose life doesn’t have a little conflict and humor in it?

A story is a story is a story! I hope you enjoy this performance. I am proud of every member of this production and I have had a wonderful time here with the Washington Savoyard, once again.

Remember, wherever the English language is spoken Gilbert and Sullivan operas will continue to be performed. That is their true legacy to us all and laughing this evening is a tribute to their genius. Have a good laugh on them - they would have loved it!