GILBERT AND SULLIVAN
We have found the works of Gilbert and Sullivan to be perfect material for young people. They are basically staged cartoons combining wit and humor in an intelligent, stylistic presentation that young actors love to perform.
Miriam Jessie Butler has adapted each one of these operettas into play form so it can be performed without music. Simply by purchasing a copy of The Schirmer Vocal Score from a local music store, songs can be optionally added in the indicated places.
The Gilbert & Sullivan operettas were originally written to contain two-thirds music and one-third dialogue. Ms. Butler’s versions have been adapted to contain one-third music (if used) and the dialogue has been expanded to make up two-thirds more in the style of Broadway musicals. The short & medium time lengths are expanded with music.
THE MIKADO
Freely Adapted by Miriam Jessie Butler
31 characters - extras may be added
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The Mikado takes place in the little town of Titipu. Nanki Poo, the son of the Mikado, disguised as a musician, has left his father’s court to escape marriage to an older woman named Katisha. Nanki Poo returns to Titipu, looking for Yum Yum whom he met some time ago when she was engaged to Koko, a cheap tailor. Nanki Poo has heard that Koko is to be beheaded for flirting, so he has come back to claim Yum Yum. But Koko has been released and promoted to Lord High Executioner by the Lords of Titipu, thinking that since Koko was next to lose his head, he would not be able to cut off anyone else’s head - until he cut off his own. One of Gilbert & Sullivan’s most intricate and fascinating plots, The Mikado brings a classic oriental tale to life.
Those performing The Mikado as a musical will be delighted with the fast- paced, delightful melodies and lyrics that have delighted both children and adults for over a century.
Modular Time Lengths Available
Plays...Medium: 13B, Short: 13C
Also available:
Video Tape
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