20:00, Mon 14th – Fri 18th September 2009 at The Minack Theatre
Summer Vacation
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society is delighted to announce that this year we will be performing 'The Mikado' at the Minack Theatre, Cornwall. The performance runs from 14th-18th, with two weeks' rehearsal beforehand - cast and production team should be available from the 31st August; the orchestra from the 7th September.
'The Mikado' is one of the most well-known and well-loved of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Set in the topsy-turvy Japanese town of Titipu, 'The Mikado' tells the story of Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado who disguises himself as a wand'ring minstrel in order to escape the romantic attentions of the elderly court maiden Katisha. In his travels he encounters and falls in love with the lovely Yum-Yum, one of three little maids who are the wards of Ko-Ko, the town executioner. Ko-Ko is engaged to Yum-Yum, but is distracted from his wedding plans by the royal decree that he must execute someone within a month... and Nanki-Poo seems like a good candidate. For a full synopsis, libretto and midi files of the music, please visit:
http://math.boisestate.edu/gas/mikado/html/index.html
Putting on a show at the Minack theatre is a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. Minack is built into the cliffs of Porthcurno near Penzance, with a stone stage and the sea as its backdrop. More information about the theatre can be found at its website:
The cast and orchestra live and rehearse together for two weeks before the show in the village of Paul, about a twenty minute drive from Minack. Situated a couple of miles from Penzance and a short walk from Mousehole, the picturesque Paul has been our host for many years, and staying there is always a wonderful experience.