Phoenix Productions are preparing to spread their wings again this summer with The Hot Mikado in the Premier Hall this August. The frontline has been cast and within the next couple of weeks rehearsals will quite literally start ‘heating’ up. ‘The Hot Mikado’ is a musical comedy, based on Gilbert and Sullivan‘s 1930’s production ‘The Mikado‘. It was adapted by David H. Bell and Robert Bowman and while remaining true to the original story and message, the orchestrations and choreography were tweaked to add a jazzier and more up tempo impetus to the shows core. The result is a production full of the kind of energy, pizzazz, zing and razzmatazz you could only associate with something of which Phoenix is capable.
Based in feudal Japan, the show tells the tale of Nanki Poo and Yum Yum, characters whose love is challenged by the comedic chaos of Japan’s social laws and authority. What follows is a whirl wind of secrets, lies, betrayal, fear and denial, all within the boundaries of a slick tongue in cheek script brimming with the kind of comedic itch and flair you only get from Gilbert and Sullivan.
Leading the lines this year will be Katie Lawless as Yum Yum, Shane Willoughby as Nanki Poo, Frank Tuohy as Ko-Ko, Maria Griffin as Peep Bo, Kate Lineen as Petti Sing, David Farah as Pooh Bah,Deirdre Ryan as Katisha and David Carroll as Pish Yush.
The cast is some 50 strong this year but doors are still open to new members over the next few weeks.
The Hot Mikado takes place August 4th to the 8th in the Premier Hall Thurles.
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