The Ultimate Guide to Hot Mikado
This past October, Erewash Musical Society turned up the heat with our lively and hilarious production of Hot Mikado! Audiences loved this jazzy, modern take on the classic Gilbert and Sullivan show, The Mikado. It was packed with energy, amazing dance numbers, and music that made everyone want to get up and dance!
A Classic Tale with a Twist
Hot Mikado takes the traditional story of The Mikado and sets it in the exciting world of 1940s Harlem during the Renaissance. All the characters and the main story are the same, but with a fresh and exciting new look and feel. Imagine zoot suits, bright colours, and lots of swing dancing!
If you don’t know the original operetta, here’s a quick summary: The Mikado is a funny story that takes place in Japan (a made-up version of Japan!). It’s about Nanki-Poo, the son of the Mikado (the Emperor of Japan), who disguises himself as a traveling musician to avoid an arranged marriage. He falls in love with Yum-Yum, but she’s already promised to Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner. What follows is a series of hilarious situations as they try to figure out love, duty, and the Mikado’s very strange laws.
Hot Mikado Plot
Hot Mikado takes us to the vibrant streets of 1940s Harlem. Nanki-Poo, a charming musician, arrives looking for his sweetheart, Yum-Yum. He soon finds out she’s engaged to Ko-Ko, a local guy who’s just been made the Lord High Executioner. This Ko-Ko isn’t the fearsome executioner you might expect; he’s more of a loveable rogue who’d rather avoid any actual work, especially if it involves chopping off heads!
Things get complicated when the Mikado demands an execution, and Ko-Ko finds himself in a tough spot. He needs to find someone to execute, but he doesn’t want to upset the wrong people! Meanwhile, Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum try to find a way to be together, even though it seems impossible. Then Katisha shows up – a powerful woman who wants Nanki-Poo for herself! This sets the stage for a series of funny and chaotic events.
With mistaken identities, clever jokes, and lots of surprises, Hot Mikado is a delightful mix of romance, comedy, and satire. Our production brought this classic story to life in a new and exciting way. The 1940s setting provided the perfect backdrop for exploring themes of love, duty, and societal expectations, all with a healthy dose of Gilbert and Sullivan’s signature wit.
Who is Yum-Yum in Hot Mikado?
Yum-Yum is the lovely and charming ward of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner. She’s full of life and laughter, but she’s also loyal and kind. Even though she’s supposed to marry Ko-Ko, she’s in love with Nanki-Poo. In our production, Yum-Yum’s bright personality and beautiful singing really stood out. She was the epitome of youthful energy and innocence, caught in a web of romantic complications.
Who is Nanki-Poo in Hot Mikado?
Nanki-Poo is a romantic hero with a secret: he’s actually the son of the Mikado! He ran away to avoid an arranged marriage and shows up in town pretending to be a musician. That’s when he falls head over heels for Yum-Yum. Nanki-Poo is charming, clever, and determined to win the girl he loves, even if it means disobeying his father and facing the anger of Katisha. He’s a classic romantic lead, willing to risk everything for love.
Who does Nanki-Poo become engaged to?
Despite the obstacles in their path, Nanki-Poo ultimately wins the heart of Yum-Yum, and they become engaged. Their love story is a central theme in Hot Mikado, and their journey to overcome the challenges they face provides much of the humor and drama in the show. Their engagement, however, is threatened by the arrival of Katisha, who is determined to have Nanki-Poo for herself.
Who is Pooh-Bah in Hot Mikado?
Pooh-Bah is the most self-important official in town! He has all the best jobs in Titipu (where the story takes place). He’s the Lord High Everything Else, First Lord of the Treasury, and more! Pooh-Bah is pompous, greedy, and always has a witty comment (especially if you pay him!). He’s a master at getting what he wants, and his scenes with the other characters are always funny. He’s a satirical representation of those in power who abuse their positions for personal gain.
What is “Pooh-Bah” slang for?
Interestingly, the name “Pooh-Bah” has entered the English language as a slang term for someone who holds many offices or positions, often with conflicting interests. This usage stems directly from Gilbert and Sullivan’s character, who embodies the concept of a pompous official with a finger in every pie.
Who is Ko-Ko in Hot Mikado?
Ko-Ko is the Lord High Executioner, a job he kind of stumbles into. He’s always looking for an easy way out and trying to avoid any real work. Even though he has an important title, Ko-Ko isn’t very scary. He’s more worried about saving his own skin and finding the simplest solution to any problem. His quick wit and funny moments make him a favorite with the audience. He’s a classic comedic character, full of witty one-liners and amusing schemes.
Who does Ko-Ko marry at the end of Hot Mikado?
In a surprising turn of events, Ko-Ko ends up marrying Katisha! This unlikely pairing provides a comedic resolution to the story, as Katisha finally finds love and Ko-Ko avoids execution (yet again!). Their marriage is a testament to the unexpected twists and turns that love can take.
Who is Katisha in Hot Mikado?
Katisha is the strong and somewhat scary older woman who comes to Titipu to claim Nanki-Poo as her husband. She’s determined to marry him, even though he loves Yum-Yum. Katisha is a powerful woman, but underneath her tough exterior, she’s actually quite vulnerable, which makes her character even more interesting. She represents the societal pressures and expectations that often stand in the way of true love. In our production, Katisha’s beautiful vocals stole the show.
What Made Our “Hot Mikado” So “Hot”?
Hot Mikado takes the cleverness and charm of the original show and adds a high-energy, jazz-inspired score. Imagine the sounds of a big band, rhythms that make you want to tap your feet, and amazing singing performances from our talented cast. The colourful costumes and energetic dancing brought this unique story to life in a truly memorable way.
Our production featured stunning vocal performances, particularly during numbers like “Three Little Maids” which showcased the beautiful harmonies of our talented female cast members. The energetic choreography in “Let the Throng Our Joy Advance” brought a playful and vibrant energy to the stage, while the poignant “Hour of Gladness” highlighted the emotional depth of the story as well as the gorgeous vocals of Louise O’Boyle.
The costumes were a visual feast, with vibrant colors and stylish designs that perfectly captured the 1940s Harlem aesthetic. From the sharp suits of the male characters to the flowing dresses of the women, every detail was carefully considered to create a visually stunning experience. The set design, with its art deco influences and vibrant backdrops, further enhanced the atmosphere, transporting the audience to the heart of Harlem.
Who were the actors in Hot Mikado?
Hot Mikado featured a fantastic cast of actors from Erewash Musical Society, all of whom poured their hearts and souls into this musical production.
- Nanki-Poo: Played by Hayden Fletcher, a familiar face to EMS audiences, both on stage and behind the scenes. Hayden brought his considerable experience and charisma to the role, capturing Nanki-Poo’s charm and determination.
- Yum-Yum: Played by Nicola Tuxford, who joined us for our March 2024 production of Bad Girls. Nicola’s youthful energy and vocal talent made her the perfect Yum-Yum.
- Ko-Ko: Played by Phil Deakin, who usually takes on more serious roles but embraced this comedic part with enthusiasm. Phil’s comedic timing and witty delivery had the audience in stitches.
- Katisha: Played by Louise O’Boyle, who has graced our stage in many productions since the mid-90s. Louise brought a depth and complexity to Katisha, showcasing both her strength and vulnerability.
- The Mikado: Played by John Fletcher, who recently played the Number One in Bad Girls. John’s commanding presence and stage presence made him a perfect fit for the role of the Mikado.
- Pooh-Bah: Played by Richard Dawson, a beloved comic actor known for his exceptional performance as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family. Richard’s portrayal of Pooh-Bah was a masterclass in comedic acting, perfectly capturing the character’s pomposity and self-importance.
- Pish-Tush: Played by Evan Hagan, who joined us after performing with EMUS, where he recently played Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your Gun. Evan brought a youthful energy and strong vocal performance to the role of Pish-Tush.
- Pitti-Sing: Played by Grace Deakin, who has appeared on stage with both EMS and EMUS. This was her first EMS production sharing the stage with her father. Grace’s talent and stage presence shone through in her portrayal of Pitti-Sing.
- Peep-Bo: Played by Hayley Wood, another familiar face to our audiences, who recently played Shell Dockley in Bad Girls. Hayley’s performance as Peep-Bo was full of charm and charisma.
Each member of our talented cast brought their unique skills and energy to the stage, creating a truly memorable and entertaining experience for our audience. The chemistry between the performers was evident, and their dedication to their roles shone through in every scene.
Hot Mikado Reviews
Hot Mikado was incredibly well received by audiences and critics alike. Here are just some of the amazing reviews we received.
There are some brilliant songs in this show, and anyone who has seen the Gilbert and Sullivan version of “The Mikado” will know that. Most light opera devotees will instantly know “A Wanderin’ Minstrel, I”, “Three Little Maids”, “Here’s A Howdy Do”, “Tit Willow”, the very clever and lyrical “I’ve Got A Little List” and “Swing A Merry Madrigal” which starts off with four way accapella and then starts to really swing. The harmonies are joyful to hear.
I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s performance of Hot Mikado by the Erewash Musical Society at the Duchess Theatre. As the President of EMS, I must admit that I may be slightly biased, but I cannot help but say how proud I am of the entire company. This was a fabulous production. Well done to you all.
It was outstanding, and the dedication of the cast members was evident throughout the show. They brought this modern retelling of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic to life with great talent and enthusiasm.
It featured excellent principal performances and was supported by a strong male and female ensemble. The singing and dancing were of a high quality, and the energetic choreography added to the enjoyment.
Stay Tuned for More!
We hope you enjoyed Hot Mikado! But don’t worry, the curtain won’t be closed for long! Erewash Musical Society is already busy working on our next production…
Evita is Coming to Long Eaton!
Get ready for a powerful and unforgettable theatrical experience as EMS presents Evita, coming to the Duchess Theatre stage from 4th-8th March 2025.
Evita tells the story of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952. This iconic musical follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerful political figure, adored by her people. With its unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, featuring classics like “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” Evita is a must-see for any theatre lover.
EMS is excited to bring this epic musical to life on the Duchess Theatre stage. Our talented cast and crew are already hard at work, preparing to deliver a performance that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls.
To learn more about Evita and book your tickets, check out our forthcoming productions.