Amusing 'Mikado' performance opens

With a sharp wit and a sweet sound, the kimono-clad cast of Penn Singers treated their audience at Zellerbach Theatre last night to a melodious opening performance of The Mikado. Always crisp and often amusing, the choregraphy and an outstanding orchestra certainly enhanced the production of this light opera, but it was the comedic and musical abilities of the cast which stole the show. Particularly humorous was Thomas Love's portrayal of the "born sneering" Pooh-Bah. Also, the absent-minded, goofy Ko-Ko, played by Engineering junior Marc Weitz was a favorite with the audience, and College sophomore Rosalie Will was hilarious in her role as Katisha. The Mikado is a Gilbert and Sullivan creation about a romance between Nanki-Poo (College junior Christopher Wilkes), an heir to royalty disguised as a wandering minstral, and a perky little student at a lady's seminary, Yum--Yum (College sophomore Jennifer Rossell), who is ward to the High Executioner of Titipu, played by Weitz. High-pitched solos, death threats, and dainty kisses exchanged behind open Japanese fans all come into play in this sometimes slap-stick, sometimes sentimental Penn Singers production. The only flaw in this performance was a lack of energy during the opening act. Before the rush of comic events arrived to save the play, chorus members seemed almost sleepy on stage. Yet, characters with smaller parts excelled throughout the show. For example, College junior Bryan Reid brought life to his role of the noble Lord Pish Tush with consistently stuffy mannerisms and facial expressions. Chorus member Suzanne Jackowski, a College freshman, said she believes The Mikado was as fun to perform as it was to watch. "It's the kind of show that when you're out there performing you forget all about your runny nose, your last exam, your last bad date," Jackowski said. Directed by Bruce Montgomery, The Mikado should not be missed. For the quality of the music alone, the performance is worth the trek to the Zellerbach. Remaining performances of The Mikado are on Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $5 for students on Locust Walk or at the door.

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