The Mikado (Concert Version)

Cantando Choir presents a concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado,
Musical Director, Kolitha Jayatunge, has assembled a cast of notable Waikato singers to feature in Cantando’s presentation of one the most famous of Gilbert and Sullivan’s works.

The role of Yum-Yum is sung by Breony Bearman, Ian Campbell is Ko-Ko, Lemauseafa Sio Lolesio sings Katisha and Stef Gibson-Muir is Pitti-Sing, while the role of Nanki-Poo is sung by Kolitha himself.
These principal roles are supported by soloists drawn from the Choir. In her role as Narrator, choir member Jane Barnett guides the audience through the operetta’s complicated plot of young love, unwanted betrothal, impersonation and threats of execution or live burial, all leading ultimately to a happy ending for everyone.

Although set in Japan, The Mikado can be seen as a gentle parody of English village life and society at the time. It was written and first staged during the 1880s when Oriental life and customs held a certain fascination for some sections of English society and has remained popular ever since.