The Mikado, one of the world’s most popular musicals of all time, is returning to the Malaysian stage and with such a distinctive story filled with engaging characters, it’s certainly a play you do not want to miss. This dynamic and critically acclaimed play was crafted by British music theatre capital figures William S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan, and now it’s being adapted for the first time towards Malaysian audiences. The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC), in collaboration with Malaysian theatre frontrunners KLPAC, will be presenting this globally-adored, hilarious production next month.
The musical opens in the town of Titipu, Japan, where the outrageous crime of flirting has been outlawed, punishable by death, by the order of the much-feared Mikado. However, the newly-appointed Lord High Executioner, Ko-Ko has yet to execute anyone and his ward, Yum-Yum, whom he plans to marry, has just fallen deeply in love with a travelling musician, Nanki-Poo. Coincidentally, Nanki-Poo is the Mikado’s son who has escaped his father’s court to avoid being betrothed to Japan’s very own dragon lady, Katisha.
To add to the already alarming levels of hilarity and drama, the Mikado has just issued a decree where that, unless an execution occurs within a month, Titipu will be reduced to the rank of a village, a disastrous demotion. However, no one has yet to muster the courage to volunteer to be executed. Chaos and humour ensue when the Mikado decides to personally visit the village to take stock of the situation.
This world famous musical has been performed to adoring fans and expectant audiences all over the world, and now it is time for Malaysia to enjoy one of the most frequently played musical theatre pieces in history.
This production of the Mikado will be the first ever production by the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, in collaboration with KLPAC and PENANGPAC. It has been produced by a dedicated and passionate team of students and staff.
Directed by UNMC lecturer, Sergio Camacho and his Spanish counterpart Luis Ortega, the innovative production puts a new spin on this much-loved play by revisiting it from a Japanese manga perspective. Taking inspiration from popular Japanese comics like Naruto and Bleach, this COMIC musical promises to astound and entertain all, providing even those who aren’t familiar with the play. It’s a chance for all to discover the world of Gilbert and Sullivan with fresh eyes and be exposed to a wondrous world of melodies and joy, a world where flirting is outlawed .... and laughing compulsory.
The Mikado - A COMIC Musical will be performed at both KLPAC and PENANGPAC. AT KLPAC, there will be four performances: three evening shows March 13th, 14th and 15th (8.30pm) and one matinee, March 16th (3:00pm). At PENANGPAC, there will be two evening performances and one matinee: March 21st & March 22nd (8:30pm) and March 23rd (3:00pm). Tickets go from RM23 (concession) to RM43 and RM63 (VIP tickets). Concession tickets are available for students, members of The Actors Studio and the disabled.
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More information is available from Hon Jiun Wong, Head of Marketing for the Mikado - A COMIC Musical on + 6016 6556 916, khpy1whi@nottingham.edu.my; or Sergio Camacho, Artistic Director for the Mikado, Sergio.Camacho@nottingham.edu.my
The University of Nottingham has 42,000 students and is ‘the nearest Britain has to a truly global university, with campuses in China and Malaysia modelled on a headquarters that is among the most attractive in Britain’ (Times Good University Guide 2014). It is also the most popular university in the UK among graduate employers one of the world’s greenest universities, and winner of the Times Higher Education Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’. It is ranked in the World’s Top 75 universities by the QS World University Rankings.
Gilbert & Sullivan, a theatrical partnership between W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, started in the Victorian century and since then, has become a household name among the world’s musical theatre culture. Their works have been performed all over the world by professional and amateur theatre troupes and their success has nurtured a global community that emphasises values such as cooperation, integration and diversity.
Posted on 20th February 2014