November 21, 2001
ADDED PERFORMANCE ONE OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN’S MOST POPULAR
LA CROSSE, Wis.—The Viterbo University Fine Arts Center has added another performance to its 2001-02 line-up. The Mikado, one of the most-produced Gilbert and Sullvan operettas, takes to the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre stage on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Produced by Opera A La Carte, The Mikado is full of romance, action, comedy, and tomfoolery. Banished from the town of Titipu, the young Nanki-Poo is in love with a woman engaged to be married to the her guardian, Ko-Ko. But, when Nanki-Poo learns Ko-Ko has been sentenced to death for the crime of flirting, he quickly returns to Titipu to win his beloved Yum-Yum. Events take a wrong turn when he learns Ko-Ko has not been sentenced to death but rather promoted to Lord High Executioner by those in power who wish to reduce the rash of executions in the town. Unfortunately, the Mikado soon realizes executions have slowed and demands one take place within a month. Desperate to avoid his own demise, Ko-Ko bargains with the distraught Nanki-Poo who refuses to live without Yum-Yum. Will Nanki-Poo ever marry Yum-Yum?
Opera A La Carte is a professional production company which performs only Gilbert and Sullivan. Founded in 1970 by noted British Gilbert and Sullivan scholar Richard Sheldon, the company has performed its authentically styled productions at numerous venues throughout the United States. It is acclaimed as the foremost Gilbert and Sullivan touring repertory company in the country.
Tickets for The Mikado are $25/$19. To order, contact the Viterbo University Box Office at 608-796-3100. To check out other Fine Arts Center Events, explore the Bright Star Season.