Preview performance, March 4
The Mikado
The Nevada County Performing Arts Guild (PAG)
Musical Score by:  Gilbert & Sullivan
 
Thursday, March 4th @ 7 p.m. (Special preview performance – All tickets $5.00)
Friday, November 5th @ 7 p.m., Saturday, November 6th @ 2 p.m., Sunday, November 7th @ 2 p.m.,
Friday, November 12th @ 7 p.m., Saturday, November 13th @ 2 p.m., Sunday, November 14th @ 2 p.m.
 
 The Center for the Arts
– 314 W. Main St., Grass Valley
ADMISSION:  Adults: $8/Advance, $12/Door
– Children: 12 & under: $4/Advance, $5/Door
-  Students & Seniors: $5/Advance, $6/Door. 
 
Advance tickets are on sale at The Book Seller, The Record Connection,
The Briarpatch Market & The Center for the Arts Box Office in Grass Valley – 274-8384.
 
INFORMATION:  Contact Paulette Rudolph at (530) 277-7100 - Email – ptrudolph@sbcglobal.net
Musical Score by:  Gilbert & Sullivan
 
The story of The Mikado is about Nanki-Poo, the son of The Mikado (Emperor of Japan), who disguises himself as a lowly town musician who travels from town to town seeing the world outside the royal palace.  He comes to a small town and becomes immersed in the silly and ridiculous politics created by the memorable characters of Koko and Pooh-Bah .  Nanki-Poo falls in love with a beautiful maiden who is beneath his station.  She, along with the other intelligent maidens, has just discovered that there is a thing called love and that not all marriages are arranged. The Mikado, arrives on the scene and all chaos ensues.  The Mikado is a small, hysterical look at the customs and history of Japanese life.
     Paulette Rudolph directs a cast of 40 young talented thespians. You will be stunned by the beautiful, young singing voices of our soloists.  They truly give a wonderfully fresh, perspective to the delightful music of Gilbert & Sullivan. The beautifully artistic Japanese costumes are designed by Sharon Olson. The creative & elaborate set along with the costumes, music and witty humor makes this production an unusual display of Japanese art and customs.
     Mila Johansen has adapted this version for family audiences.  The original is 2/3 music and 1/3 dialogue.  Mila has created this version to be 1/3 music and 2/3 dialogue.  The songs are done broadway style, which the songs almost seem written for.  In fact, years ago, screen comedian, Groucho Marx played the lead part of Koko and did it completely in a broadway style.  These famous pieces have been done by casts of all ages for over a century in many creative styles and variations.  Gilbert and Sullivan created 14 Operettas, two of the most famous being The Pirates of Penzance and H. M. S. Pinafore. 
     In the late 1800’s, British aristocracy was intrigued and consumed with the mysteries of the orient.  Gilbert and Sullivan tapped into this wave of avid interest and have delighted audiences with their classic, The Mikado, for well over a century.  Sir William S. Gilbert wrote the witty words and Sir Arthur S. Sullivan created the fantastic memorable melodies and intricate musical score.  The creative team was famous for poking fun at the pompous English Aristocracy, especially criticizing and exposing...