Stepping Out

Need an escape? Why not visit the charming village of Titipu, at  Historic Everett Theatre where the Northwest Savoyards are presenting Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado.

The story takes place long ago in the Japanese village Titipu. A young minstrel named Nanki-Poo wanders into town looking for Yum-Yum, the woman that he’s fallen in love with. He soon discovers that there are complications. Too many to go into.

But the main obstacle is that she is already engaged to another man called

 Ko-Ko. In fact he is the high executioner of the village, who is in a bind of his own. He has been ordered by the Emperor of Japan to select a person to execute. If he doesn‘t, he’ll have his own execution to perform.  

In order in save his neck he must choose someone. So who do you think he’s going to select? That’s a toughie. But how Ko-Ko ends up scheduling Nanki-Poo for execution and the complications that follow are as staggering as they are hilarious.

And of course there are some wonderful tongue-twisting songs by Gilbert and Sullivan. The cast is sensational. Derek Sellers plays the rather self-effacing Nanki-Poo,in his first appearance with Northwest Savoyards. Hopefully he’ll have many more.

The delicious Yum-Yum is played by Georgia Hill, who is quite enchanting as the woman who is trying to make the best of catastrophic circumstances.

Yum-Yum’s fiancé, Ko-Ko, is cunningly played by Dave Holden. In a way, he the most unexpected. We’re prepare to think he’s the villain, but he’s the nicest guy you ever saw with an ax in his hand.

Ko-Ko is assisted in these matters by Pooh-Bah and Pish-Tush. Craig Cantley plays Pooh-Bah who helps Ko-Ko in all legal matters. Of course how much help he is actually, is debatable.

The fatherly and dour Pish-Tush is played by William Darkow,  returning to Northwest Savoyards after 11 years.

Claudette Hatcher plays Katisha, a vengeful woman whose voice will blow you away. And no wonder, since she’s professional opera singer. Her stage time is brief but very memorable.

The title role goes to Mark Abel, who’s also played a king in The King and I, as well as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

Lisa Wright Thiroux and Katie Collins play Yum-Yum’s sisters Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo. Pitti-Sing has a hard time keeping her head on straight. Peep-Bo meanwhile struggles with bride-envy.

Don’t miss this funny and touching tale that will delight you and your friends.

“The Mikado” plays at the Historic Everett Theatre through March 21. For ticket information call (425) 258-6766.