| The Mikado | Essgee Entertainment |
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The hit Gilbert and Sullivan musical The Mikado is set to return to QPAC with an hilarious new production guaranteed to deliver a new twist on this much-loved classic.
Presented by Essgee Entertainment and QPAC, Simon Gallaher's new production of his high energy hit musical will premiere exclusively at the QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in August. Universally acknowledged as their masterpiece, and one of the most frequently played musical theatre pieces in history, The Mikado last played QPAC’s Lyric Theatre in 1995.
Essgee Entertainment’s production of The Mikado returns in a new incarnation featuring an all singing, all dancing line-up of some of Australia’s favourite stars of the stage and screen.
Heading the line-up as Pooh-Bah is Colin Lane. Perhaps best known as one half of Australia’s favourite comedy double act, Lano and Woodley, Colin Lane has earned the adulation of critics and audiences alike. His musical theatre debut will be eagerly anticipated.
Bringing his own brilliant interpretation to the role of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, is another renowned comedian – The Umbilical Brothers’ David Collins. His efforts to woo the delightful Yum Yum, played by Helen Donaldson – making a welcome return after spending several years in New York - will be complicated by music theatre legend Julie Anthony, who takes on the role of Katisha.
Taking the central role of Nanki-Poo and making his theatre debut is Graeme Isaako. Having wowed the judges of So You Think You Can Dance, Graeme’s future looks set as he delights in the opportunity to not only show off his extraordinary dance talents but finally has the chance to display his impressive singing abilities.
And in a welcome return to the stage as the deep-throated Mikado is David Gould, who was nominated for a Mo Award for his performance in the title role in the original Essgee production in 1995.
Set in Japan, or rather drawing on Victorian notions of Japan, the story of The Mikado centres on Nanki-Poo and Yum Yum. Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado, leaves home and disguises himself as a wandering minstrel to escape a distasteful marriage. Arriving in Titi-pu, he meets a beautiful girl, Yum-Yum, with whom he falls in love. He desperately wants to marry her, but obstacles are cast in his way by Yum-Yum's guardian, Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner, who is also in love with Yum-Yum and has every intention of marrying her himself.
Also causing problems is Katisha, Nanki-Poo's jilted bride, who arrives in Titipu in the company of Nanki-Poo's father, The Mikado. After some complicated explaining, all is finally well and everyone lives happily ever after.
The original Essgee version of The Mikado won three Green Room Awards (Best Actor; Best Scenic Design and Best Direction) and won critical acclaim:
“.. an unfolding caravan of delights” Sydney Morning Herald
“As dazzling as the best of Broadway” The Courier Mail
“No praise could be excessive” The Australian
Simon Gallaher’s new production of The Mikado will open at the Lyric Theatre on Tuesday 5 August, 2008.
Essgee Entertainment presents
The Mikado
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: From 5 August for a limited season.
Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm; Matinees: Wednesday and Saturday, 1.30pm, Sunday 2pm.
Tickets: Children from $39; Adults from $49.95
Bookings: 136 246 or qtix.com.au
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Sunday, 07 September 2008
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