The English National Opera’s acclaimed production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” will debut in Sedona on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the big screen premiere at its Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
“The Mikado” is one of most famous and best-loved of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas.
This iconic English National Opera production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Japanese” satire takes the story out of the tiny East Asian town of Titipu and sets it in the faintly seedy grandeur of a 1930s English hotel — the perfect place for lampooning targets much closer to home.
Full of high-kicking chorus lines, satirical touches and a wonderfully elegant score, it tells the tale of Nanki-Poo and his love for Yum-Yum. There’s just one snag. She’s betrothed to Ko-Ko, the new Lord High Executioner. And he needs someone to execute, otherwise it’s his own head on the block. Perhaps Ko-Ko and Nanki-Poo can come to some arrangement, without anyone losing his head?
Leading an all-British cast of youthful talent and seasoned veterans is distinguished bass Robert Lloyd who sings The Mikado of Japan for the first time. Baritone Richard Suart is synonymous with the role of Ko-Ko. Once again he will charm and delight audiences in this comic role and his infamous little list.
ENO Harewood artist Mary Bevan returns to the role of Yum-Yum. Anthony Gregory, also an ENO Harewood artist, makes his role debut as Nanki-Poo. The cast is completed by Graeme Danby as Poo-Bah, George Humphreys as Pish-Tush, Yvonne Howard as Katisha and Rachael Lloyd as Pitti-Sing.
Jonathan Miller’s vision of a 1930s English, seaside hotel was immaculately captured by the late, celebrated stage designer Stefanos Lazaridis, a frequent collaborator with ENO for more than 30 years. The creative team includes costume designer Sue Blane, choreographer Antony van Laast and lighting designer Davy Cunningham.
“The Mikado” is sung and performed in English.
“The Mikado” will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 or $12.50 for Film Festival members. Tickets are available in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, by calling 282-1177 or online at SedonaFilmFestival.org. Both the theater and film festival office are at 2030 W. State Route 89A in West Sedona.
