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The Lincoln University Opera Workshop presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s comedic opera “The Mikado” from April 1- 2 on the main campus of Lincoln University.
Set in the fictitious Japanese town of Tititpu, the story centers on Nanki-poo, a “wandering minstrel” in pursuit of the beautiful Yum-Yum, the ward of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner. When a surprise visit from the Emporer of Japan, The Mikado, is announced Ko-Ko must frantically find someone to behead or risk the ruin of the entire town. Hilarity, chaos, false identities, and Gilbert & Sullivan’s incredible music and words fill the stage in this all-time theatrical classic.
“The Gilbert & Sullivan Archive” calls the opera “The most popular Gilbert and Sullivan opera, and arguably the most popular opera ever written.”
In his second year on the Lincoln faculty, Professor and Opera Workshop Director Aaron R. Dunn will lead a fifteen-member cast of primarily students, community members, faculty, and alumni. The musical director is Dr. Christine Limb, associate professor in Visual and Performing Arts, and the accompanist is Ms. Helen Meacham, a Visual and Performing Arts staff member.
New this year is the addition of a live nine-piece chamber orchestra under the direction of Limb.
Recent Opera Workshop productions have included “The Medium,” “The Telephone,” both by Gian-Carlo Menotti, and “The World Goes Round” a musical revue featuring the works of Broadway team John Kander and Fred Ebb.
The Opera Workshop is presented with support from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Lincoln University. Opera Workshop is an academic course taken for credit. This semester the class partnered with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Chester County to offer a seminar for students in preparation for the opera. They have also generously loaned the cast their custom-made costumes.
All attendees are invited to a fifteen minute pre-show talk that begins 30 minutes prior to each performance. The pre-show talk will provide context for the show and is geared toward first-time opera-goers or those who are new to Gilbert and Sullivan productions.
Performances will be held April 1 at 7 p.m. and April 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Ware Center Theater on Lincoln University’s main campus at 1570 Baltimore Pike in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. The show runs approximately two hours and fifteen minutes.
Tickets are $7 for general admission. Admission is free for Lincoln students with valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.
For tickets and additional information contact the Visual and Performing Arts Department at 484-365-7555.
By Shelley Mix, Office of Communications & Public Relations
Photos by Hazziza Abdullah