The Mikado – Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous comic opera – plays at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre from 9 November until 23 November 2019 in a brilliant new production for State Opera South Australia.
This beautifully executed comedy with the most “topsy turvy plot” is a satire on the British love of bureaucracy and social rules, and has been a favourite with audiences the world-over since it was written.
“The Mikado is an absolute masterpiece, and undoubtedly one of the most loved operettas of all time,” said State Opera’s Artistic Director, and Director of The Mikado, Stuart Maunder.
Filled with some of the great Gilbert and Sullivan comic songs including Three Little Maids and Ko-Ko’s I’ve Got A Little List, The Mikado is a cutting commentary on social standing and the treachery of navigating the rules of politics and love – all dressed up in a clever disguise of silly, laugh-out-loud fun.
The production, with designs by Adelaide-based Simone Romaniuk, is a quirky new take on the Japanese-inspired mythical land of Titipu: think Hello Kitty, Harajuku fashion, schoolgirls and selfies, dapper gents, and a captivating cougar named Katisha.
“It’s funny, witty and wacky, and has the most glorious use of English language and melody,” said Maunder. “It may be set in a mythical Japan, but it’s the most British of shows.”
Originally created by Maunder for Opera Queensland in 2011, and presented by New Zealand Opera in 2017, this is the first time South Australian audiences will experience this fresh contemporary take on a Gilbert and Sullivan favourite.
Ably supported by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and State Opera Chorus – under the baton of Simon Kenway – The Mikado brings a fabulous cast to the Festival Theatre.
This includes New Zealand stage and screen actor Byron Coll who stars as KoKo, Adelaide bass Pelham Andrews as the Mikado, and London-based Australian tenor Dominic Walsh as the troubadour lover Nanki-Poo.
With laugh-out-loud comedy and the colour and kitsch of a giant Japanese stationary store, The Mikado is a perfect outing for the whole family.
“There is a reason why The Mikado is the most performed piece in the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire,” Maunder said. “You will fall in love with it.”
State Opera will stage Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado and Puccini’s dramatic masterpiece Madama Butterfly concurrently at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre this month.
The Mikado will run between Saturday 9 November and Saturday 23 November 2019. Tickets are on sale now.
Make sure you don’t miss The Mikado:
9 November 2019 7.30pm
13 November 2019 7.30pm
15 November 2019 7.30pm
16 November 2019 7.30pm
20 November 2019 7.30pm
23 November 2019 1.00pm
Location: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
Ticket Costs: Premium: $140; A Reserve: $100; B Reserve: $80; C Reserve: $70; U30’s: $30
Bookings: www.stateopera.com.au
For more information: https://stateopera.com.au/performances/the-mikado/
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