The Mikado

Set in the little Japanese town of Titipu in the late 1800s. Disguised as a wand'ring minstrel, Nanki-poo (son of the Mikado, Emperor of Japan) comes to town to claim his secret love, Yum-Yum, only to find that Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, is preparing to marry her. Then Ko-Ko finds he must carry out an execution or the town will be reclassified as a village. With the help of Pooh-Bah (Lord High Everything else) Ko-Ko plans a hoax—but the plan goes awry when the Mikado unexpectedly arrives. This is a faithful adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's wonderful farce and comic send-up of everything from the class system and the monarchy to petty officials and scheming bureaucrats—plus all things heroic and operatic. Songs include Gentlemen of Japan, A Wand'ring Minstrel, The Lord High Executioner, I've Got a Little List, Three Little Maids, The Punishment Fit the Crime, The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring and Titwillow. All the music is appropriate in vocal range and lyric manageability for younger performers from middle elementary to middle high-school years. Instrumental backings have been adapted from Sir Arthur Sullivan's original orchestral score. Everything you need is here to give your students an exhilarating theatrical experience with the most enduring music theater team of all time.