Friday, June 28, 2013

Classic Gilbert and Sullivan "The Mikado" over 4th of July Weekend ONLY

The Wittiest Execution in Town!


For one weekend only, Pacific Stageworks presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera THE MIKADO, July 5-7 ONLY at the Heathman Lodge, 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Director Tony Bump has set the performance "in a modern cocktail party/fundraiser for a local theatre company."  Audience members are encouraged to dress in a kimono and sing along with familiar songs such as “Three Little Maids from School,” “Tit Willow,” and “To Sit In Solemn Silence.”

Will Johnson (L) and Kristen Johnson (R)
with Tony Bump in "The Mikado."
The show was set in the town of Titipu, where the tailor Ko-Ko (Tony Bump of Vancouver) is promoted to Lord High Executioner. His ward, Yum-Yum (Kristen Johnson of Vancouver), whom he plans to marry, has fallen in love with a traveling musician, Nanki-Poo (Will Johnson of Bellingham). Nanki-Poo is, in fact, the Mikado’s son, and has escaped the court to avoid the attentions of an intimidating older noblewoman, Katisha (Jennifer Johnson of Camas). Ko-Ko learns of a decree from the Mikado (David Hicks of Portland) that, unless an execution occurs within a month, the city will be reduced to the rank of a village. Neither the noble lord Pish-Tush (Gary Bock of Ridgefield) nor the Lord High Everything Else, Pooh-Bah (IZ Darling of Portland), will volunteer to be executed. Complications occur with the arrival of the Mikado, accompanied by the ever-formidable Katisha.

Additional cast members include Jeanna Reed (Battle Ground), Kathleen Jung (Ridgefield), Ashley Hall (Bellingham), Garry Bastian and Zak Campbell (Vancouver), and Kaylen Ostrom (Camas).

Witty lyrics and brilliantly constructed plot twists make this light-hearted tale of forbidden love, deception, and beheadings a favorite among theatre-goers since 1885. This is a zesty operetic musical-comedy sparkling with wit and whimsy. 

Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door. Audience members wearing a kimono will receive a $1 discount. Tickets may be ordered at www.pacificstageworks.com or 360-213-5174. Please do not contact the Heathman Lodge with questions.

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