Hot Mikado

The Story

Welcome to Titipu - a town where east meets west in a vaguely 1940's (with occasional deviation!)

Americanised Fantasy Japan

Act 1 - Morning

Nanki-Poo, an intinerant crooner and 2nd trumpet, arrives in search of Yum-Yum - his dream girl - only to dicover that she is to be married to her Gaurdian, Ko-Ko. Previously condemned to death for flirting, Ko-Ko has been reprived and now has the top job in Titpu - Lord High Executioner. The information is imparted by Pish-Tush, man about town and Poo-Bah, Ko-Ko's Right Hand Man and Lord High Everything Else. Ko-Ko's arrival is followed by that of Yum-Yum and her sisters Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo. When Nanki-Poo meets up again with Yum-Yum he tells her his true identity. He is the son of the Mikado (The Emperor of Japan) and has fled the Royal Court to escape the amorous advances of the powerful Katisha. Meanwhile, Ko-Ko learns that the Mikado has decreed that unless a publis execution (of anyone!) takes place in Titpu, the town will be reduced in rank to a village - disaster!! A candidate for the execution must be found. Nanki-Poo is intent on ending his life as Yum-Yum is to marry Ko-Ko. Ko-Ko offers Nanki-Poo one month of marriage to Yum-Yum in return for agreeing to be beheaded afterwards. Titipu celebrates it's reprive but then the love sick Katisha arrives looking for and finding Nanki-Poo. In spite of all her efforts she is prevented by Yum-Yum from telling everyone who Nanki-Poo really is. She swears vengeance.

Act 2 - Night

Pre-wedding celebrations are underway for Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum. In spite of a last minute hitch (when a man is beheaded is wife is buried alive!) Ko-Ko tells the lovers to get married and that he will forge the execution certificate as he couldn't possibly actually behead anybody. The all powerful Mikado arrives and is joined by Katisha. He demands proof that the execution has taken place and then realises that it is in fact his own son's name on the certificate. This means death for entire town - after the Mikado has eaten! Nanki-Poo informs Ko-Ko that he will only "return from the dead" if Ko-Ko can persuade Katisha to marry him (i.e. Ko-Ko).

What happens next? Is Ko-Ko prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice?

All will soon be revealed.

Chairman's Forword

Selecting a show is one of the most difficult tasks an amateur operatic society has to perform. Finding on original show is almost impossible but this year MHAOS has done just that and WHAT A SHOW! Intially "Hot Mikado" meant nothing to the majority of the company but within the first few weeks of rehersals most members were hooked and enthusiastically attended, enjoying the challenge of tackling something completely new, in fact being fortunate enough to premier this amazing production in Wales.

The rehersals have been hard work particularly for Jenny Whyte - Director, Marian Harris - Musical Director and Mel James - Choreographer who have worked tirelessly to produce this show-stopper. Mel hasn't worked with us before but her vitality has been infectious and the cast have been dancing the night away at rehersals! I know the Company would want me to thanks Jenny, Marian and Mel for all their dedication and commitment to this production.

Now I turn to you our audience. Prepare to see the "Mikado" like you've never seen it before! "Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and Jazz - it can't be "G & S" - but it is. Bursting with energy and pizzazz we will have your feet tapping by the end of the evening. If after seeing the show you would like to be a member of the Society come along and join us in September.

Enjoy your evening!

Jane Morris

Chairman

Jenny Whyte - Director

Jenny Whyte has directed, produced, written for and performed in productions ranging from opera and straight drama to musicals and revues - in places as far apart as Milford Haven, Kuala Lumpur and Cyprus. Latterly resident in Edinburgh, she acted on the Festival Fringe, toured with the Edinburgh Footlights and taught outreach drama for the City Council. She is third of Xenon Liberal Arts, recently directing their production of "Night must fall" on tour and in 1999 directed "Camelot" for Haverfordwest Operatic Society.

Marian Harris - Musical Director

Marian has been involved in Amateur Operatics for over 30 years and has been a member of MHAOS since she moved into the area 20 years ago. For most of this time she has been responsible for directing the music in both shows and concerts with the Society. A role she has always found most satisfying and rewarding. Marian has subsequently taught piano for many years and also has her own small singing group "The Savoy Singers", who perfrom from time to time throughout the year to help raise money for charity.

Melanie James - Choreographer

Mel originally trained in classical and has performed in many dance and has performed in many dance festivals, shows and pantomimes. She has early teaching experiences in ballet, tap, modern jazz, disco and rock 'n' roll. Mel studied at Coventry performing arts centre where she gained HND Dance and BA(Hons) Arts Practice and Cultural Policy Degree. Mel established and is co-director of her own dance company "In Motion Too" and toured the Milands teaching and performing with local school children. Having gained PGCE in secondary education, specialising in physical education and dance at Liverpool John Moores University she currently teaching at Tasker-Millward school and running evening disco sessions for Haverfordwest Council. This her first experience of working with an Operatic Society.

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