BUCYRUS - Bucyrus Little Theatre is to present the 2012 Children's Workshop show, "The Mikado," at 7:30 p.m. July 13 and 14 and 2:30 p.m. July 15. Randy Mann is directing 18 youths in the production, with assistance from Annie Robertson.
The Mikado of Japan, in an effort to make the young men of the land steady and virtuous, has issued a multitude of decrees. One in particular, the outlawing of flirting, has far-reaching consequences. Any man caught flirting with a woman, unless she is his wife, is to be beheaded.
The town of Titipu has found a unique solution to the decree by choosing Ko-Ko to be the Lord High Executioner. Because he is the next in line to be beheaded for the crime of flirting, the men of the town deduce that if he acts on his position as executioner, his first task will be to behead himself.
The Mikado's son, Nanki-Poo, has fled from his home and disguised himself as a trombone player in the Titipu town band. He took this drastic action because he had the misfortune of catching the eye of Katisha, an elderly lady. She saw this as an act of flirting and demanded that he wed her. He chose to escape instead.
While performing with the band, Nanki-Poo meets the delightful young woman Yum-Yum. They fall in love, but many obstacles stand in the way of their happiness. Yum-Yum is the ward of the Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko, and he wishes to marry her. Katisha has not given up her pursuit of Nanki-Poo and is traveling around Japan seeking him.
And the Mikado, having heard of the lack of executions in Titipu, has decreed that unless an execution is carried out within a month, the town will be lowered to the rank of a village, which will cause irretrievable ruin. Much comedy ensues as the many conflicts are resolved. This Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera is filled with music and satirical barbs at all things political.
Children who have participated in this summer workshop and who will fill the roles from the Mikado himself to the citizens of Titipu are Emelia Bloomfield, Taylor Bowers, Karys Boyd, Timothy Chandler, Todd Chandler, Mariah Cotsamire, Jessika Cotsamire, Harrison Faulkner, Nathaniel Harris, Sydney Harris, Dine' Hilbrandt, Cara Linn, Cameron Moone, Brittany Purcell, Kayleigh Seiber, Madison Wagner, Kathrine White and Cecilia Wurm.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Call the BLT box office (419)562-0731 to make reservations. Leave a message detailing which performance you wish to attend, how many seats are needed, your name, and a phone number. Box office personnel will call back to confirm your reservation.
The theater is located at 130 Songer Ave., Bucyrus.
