Summary

Presenting the traditional classic tale as envisioned in a new and far-distant setting.

The Light Opera of Portland in keeping with their custom of Absurdity done in Complete Sincerity will present Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado in September. The Mikado opened on the London stage in 1885 and immediately became a world sensation. Before the end of 1885, it was estimated that, in Europe and America, at least 150 companies were producing the opera. What’s more though is that LOoP has decided to go with Gilbert’s original intention and to present it in a distant, far-distant locale. Theirs is the small planet of Pitiyu in the constellation of Zhartan that disguises his satire of British government. It is the traditional classic comic opera that has tickled the funny bone of audiences for 133 years. Come enjoy the beautiful Sullivan melodies sung by the fabulous voices of LOoP and laugh your way through this hysterically funny comedy in its new distant and far-distant setting.

Why an Outer Space Mikado?

Gilbert & Sullivan were in the business of presenting social and political satire, often based in different settings and cultures. These include the land of Fairy, the Venetian republic and the fictional land of Barataria, the fictional south sea island of Utopia, and the fictional village of Titipu. None of their stories were about the setting but about the inequities or fallacies that existed in British society. I do not believe that their intent or their result was focused on the culture of the settings.

So, what is The Mikado about? It is about corrupt bureaucracies, despotic authoritarian rulers, and an impossible love story. The character Pooh-Bah takes on all the roles of government and then is willing to take false positions for personal gain. This reminds me of our current congress taking positions that would have been unthinkable 10-20 years ago for their own gain. The Mikado makes unilateral decisions that appear somewhat ridiculous. This reminds me of our current President. My point is that these portrayals transcend any particular setting and time and are as relevant today as they were when applied to Victorian England.

There is a time-honored tradition in literature and theatre for setting stories in unfamiliar settings in order to reflect upon social and political issues that are relevant to the society at large. This is what Gilbert & Sullivan were doing. In today’s environment (for at least the last 60-70 years) this has been done through Science Fiction. Star Trek was never about Klingons, Romulans, or Vulcans. It was about us, the people we are, and our society. This is why we have reset The Mikado on the Planet of Pitiyu in the constellation of Zhartan.

If you are interested in the historical definition of The Mikado please visit: G&S The Mikado Plot Summary. This is the same story that LOoP will be presenting but in a different setting.

Cast

The Emperor of Zhartan	Bill Wuertz
Nanky-Pu, His Son	Tom Hamann
Co-Co, The Lord High Executioner	Carl Dahlquist
Pooh-Bah, Lord High Everything Else	Laurence Cox
Pish-Tush, A Noble Lord	Kevin Lay
Yum-Yum, A Ward of Co-Co	Lindsey Lefler
Yum-Yum, Understudy	Pollyanna Moody
Pity-Sing, A Ward of Co-Co	Sheryl Wood
Peep-Bo, A Ward of Co-Co	Mandee Light
Catischa, An Elderly Lady	Anne Hubble
Go-To	Linh Nguyen
Attendant	Colin Taylor

Attendants

Dom Davis

Ladies of the Ensemble

Men of the Ensemble

Crew

Director	Dennis Britten
Artistic Designer	Jacob Mott
Musical Director	Dr. Linda Smith
Musical Assistant	Mele Howland
Producer	David Smith
Production Technical Director	Dennis Freeze
Stage Manager/Prop Master	Amy Barnhart
Lighting Design	Jacob Mott
Lighting	David Smith
House Manager	Chuck Weed
Accompanist	Dr. Linda Smith
Costume Designer	Lucy Tait
Set	Joe Rosenthal
Program and Web Site	Sheryl Wood
Posters	Jacob Mott/David Smith
Logo	Tony Smith