IU OPERA THEATER PRESENTS

THE MIKADO
By Gilbert and Sullivan
July 28, 29 and August 4, 5
8 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center
Guest Conductor: Raymond Harvey
Stage Director: Vincent Liotta
Set Designer: Peter Dean Beck

Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, or The Town of Titipu, is one of the most popular operas ever written. It has delighted audiences for more than a century and spawned a number of imitations. But none were nearly as good as the original, which represented both Gilbert and Sullivan at the height of their creative geniuses. The Mikado is the timeless tale of two young lovers, Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum, whose romance remains unfulfilled due to myriad obstacles. The action begins with Nanki-Poo, the son of Japan's Emperor (the Mikado), fleeing an arranged marriage to a homely older woman. Nanki-Poo arrives in the town of Titipu disguised as a minstrel in order to pry Yum-Yum away from her insidious guardian who also has designs on the young beauty. The drama is only compounded when the Mikado and the forsaken bride arrive in the once-peaceful town. With lavish sets and costumes from the Orlando Opera Company.