The Mikado 2020 Auditions 8 – 9 February 2020
Auditions for this production will be held on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of February 2020. Details of the operetta, SWOC’s production, and how to audition are given in this document. Anyone 16 years or older is welcome to audition. For any additional information email The Mikado at [email protected].
The operetta The Mikado or The Town of Titipu Music by Arthur Sullivan: Lyrics and Libretto by W.S. Gilbert First performed at the Savoy Theatre, London - 14 March 1885 (it ran for 672 performances) First performed in the USA at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York - 19 August, 1885 First performed in Australia at the Theatre Royal, Sydney – 14th November, 1885 Historical context The Mikado has been performed more times, and in more countries, than any of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas. It was first performed at the Savoy Theatre in London on the 14th March, 1885. Inspiration for the story came when a Samurai sword, on display in Gilbert’s study, fell from the wall as he was pondering what might become the theme of the collaboration’s ninth opera. Gilbert (the lyricist of the partnership) took this as an omen and determined to ‘leave his own country alone’ for a while and turn his biting satire instead towards the East. As it was, he merely took the opportunity to further satirise British politics and institutions more freely by clothing them in superficial Japanese trappings. He did not have to look far to research the subject of his new play. He found all the material he wanted in Knightsbridge, a little village of Japanese immigrants within a mile of his own home in South Kensington. Here he witnessed the strange arts, devices and lifestyles of this proud race in an exhibition that was being held at the time. Even Geisha girls were to be seen serving tea in the traditional Japanese manner At that time in fashionable London, things Japanese were becoming all the rage. Oriental prints and ceramics were on sale, along with Japanese fabrics and dresses. This was all made possible by the opening of trade between England and Japan. It seemed like the perfect time to produce an opera based in an exquisite, oriental country. Cast of Characters The Mikado of Japan – bass-baritone Nanki-Poo – tenor – His Son, disguised as a wandering minstrel; in love with Yum-Yum Ko-Ko – baritone – The Lord High Executioner of Titipu Pooh-Bah – bass-baritone – Lord High Everything Else Pish-Tush – baritone – A Noble Lord Go-To – bass-baritone – A Noble Lord Yum-Yum – soprano – A Ward of Ko-Ko, also engaged to Ko-Ko Pitti-Sing – mezzo-soprano – A Ward of Ko-Ko Peep-Bo – soprano – A Ward of Ko-Ko Katisha – contralto – An Elderly lady, in love with Nanki-Poo
Chorus of School-Girls, Nobles, Guards and Coolies
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The Mikado 2020 Auditions 8 – 9 February 2020
The Story (Setting: The Town of Titipu, Japan) The Mikado has decreed that the act of flirting when ‘not connubially linked’ is punishable by death. Horrified by this prospect, the townsfolk of Titipu appoint Ko-Ko as the Lord High Executioner – he has been imprisoned for flirting and would be obliged to execute himself before beheading anyone else. Arriving in Titipu, Nanki-Poo is distressed to hear of this new appointment. He has been forced to leave his father’s Court to avoid execution due to the unwarranted attentions of Katisha and has come to Titipu to claim Yum-Yum, Ko-Ko's bride-to- be, believing that she would now be freed of her engagement to Ko-Ko in the light of his imprisonment. Yum-Yum has no desire to marry Ko-Ko but knows that he will not release her to anybody else, especially not to an itinerant musician. Heartbroken, Nanki-Poo prepares to commit suicide but is prevented from doing so by Ko-Ko, who has received orders from the Mikado to execute someone within the month, and suggests that Nanki-Poo be the required victim. Nanki- Poo agrees on the condition that in the meantime he can marry Yum-Yum, a plan which receives a temporary set-back at the discovery that the wife of a beheaded man must be buried alive. However, when they hear that the Mikado, accompanied by Katisha, is approaching the town, Ko-Ko, anxious to avoid the Mikado's wrath, decides to pretend that Nanki-Poo's execution has already taken place. Unfortunately, the Mikado is furious to learn that it is his son who has supposedly been beheaded and Ko-Ko has no choice but to persuade Nanki-Poo to "come back to life", a plan Nanki-Poo will only agree to if Ko-Ko proposes to the unwed Katisha. Reluctantly he agrees and Katisha, believing Nanki-Poo to be dead, accepts the proposal. With Katisha out of the way, Nanki-Poo appears before the Mikado. He is delighted to see his son alive, and all is forgiven. Character descriptions The following character descriptions outline the roles and their singing parts in The Mikado. There are 5 main male characters in The Mikado and 4 female lead roles.
The roles are – in order of appearance:
Role Voice Songs performed Nanki Poo Tenor 1 solo, 2 duets, 1 madrigal, 1 trio, recitative2 and finales
Pish Tush Baritone 1 Solo, 1 trio, 1 madrigal
Pooh Bah Bass-Baritone 1 solo, 1 quartet, 3 trios, 1 glee1, finale and recitative2
Ko Ko Baritone 3 solos, 2 duets, 2 trios, 1 glee1, finale and recitative2
Yum Yum Soprano 2 trios, 1 quartet, 1 duet, 1 solo, 1 madrigal, finale
Peep Bo Soprano 1 trio, 1 quartet, finale and recitative2
Pitti Sing Mezzo-soprano 2 trios, 1 quartet, 1 solo, 1 madrigal, finale and recitative2
Katisha Contralto 2 solos, 1 duet, 1 glee1, finale and recitative2
The Mikado Bass-Baritone 1 solo, 1 glee1, finale 1 a style of song popular in 18th & 19th century England – see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glee_(music) 2 sung dialogue
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The Mikado 2020 Auditions 8 – 9 February 2020
About the Characters Nanki Poo The son of The Mikado. He has fled his father’s court to escape the determined advances of Katisha, a lady of mature years who has decided that he is the one chance that she has left. He has made his escape, and disguised now as a ‘wandering minstrel’, is searching for the beautiful Yum-Yum, who he has seen just once at a band concert, and with whom he has fallen head over heels in love. A strong young man determined not to be forced into something against his will. He is the ‘romantic’ male lead in the show. Pish Tush Described by Gilbert as ‘a Noble Lord’, this character is the one who shows sense and to that end is perceived to be trying to keep matters under control. He has a strong solo which describes the situation regarding the post of Lord High Executioner, thus putting the audience in ‘the picture.’ Pooh Bah This delightful character makes self-promotion into an art form, and is only comfortable when he is the centre of attention. He tells us that he ‘was born sneering’, regarding everyone to be below him in every respect. He is an absolute chauvinist, and women un-nerve him completely. He really is a very pompous and odious character, but will show a trace of humanity that will eventually win through! Ko Ko The Lord High Executioner of Titipu (the highest rank a citizen can obtain) Described as ‘a cheap tailor’, this poor chap, though having committed no crime other than having a flirtatious eye, has found himself promoted to the exalted rank of Lord High Executioner. He can cope with this, and quite enjoys being the centre of attention until he is actually compelled to ‘do the deed’. He is also engaged to marry Yum-Yum, even though she doesn’t love him. Panic sets in when confronted with an order from the Mikado commanding him to have a public execution. The role provides the actor with a wonderful range of emotions to display. An excellent character part with a strong comic element. Ko Ko is the traditional G&S ‘patter’ role and is the only character in The Mikado to have a truly Japanese name. Yum Yum A little bit naïve, she has a limited knowledge of the world away from Ko-Ko and her two companions. She believes that she is ‘the most beautiful girl in the world’ because she has nothing to judge this by, and no-one has ever told her otherwise. Thrilled and flattered when Nanki-Poo comes looking for her, her interest in him falters when she discovers that he has agreed to be executed as long as Ko-Ko will allow him to marry her for a month. She also learns that as the wife of an executed man, she will be buried alive. This definitely cools her ardour! She sings the wonderful “The Sun Whose Rays” and is the ‘romantic’ female lead in the show. Peep Bo Sister of Yum Yum, this character is the one who will tell things as they are. She does not spare fools gladly at all, and although not a large principal part it supplies a wonderful opportunity for a young character actress to make herself noticed. A lovely little character role.
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The Mikado 2020 Auditions 8 – 9 February 2020
Pitti Sing (Pretty thing) She is the best friend of Yum-Yum; a live wire who easily supplies the sense that Yum-Yum lacks. She is the one who organises everyone, and she is not afraid to speak out, especially to Katisha. This is fine until she gets involved in covering up Nanki-Poo’s supposed execution. Then we see that she can panic with the best. Katisha Promised to Nanki Poo by the Mikado. Often portrayed as large and not very good looking, but we will be kinder to our Katisha and settle for making her a ‘lady of more mature years’. Perhaps a touch of ‘mutton dressed as lamb’, behind the domineering woman out for revenge at being spurned by Nanki-Poo, we see a vulnerable and lonely lady. There is great comedy here too in her encounters with Ko-Ko. This part is demanding, and requires great skill in portraying all the emotions that are needed, especially when she finally realises that she has missed her last chance. Katisha is probably the best of the G&S contralto roles. The Mikado An absolute autocrat in every sense - his word is law and must be obeyed. His constant irritation is Katisha, who has become a thorn in his side and an absolute pain in the neck. Although he does not appear until Act 2, he has some very strong dialogue and one of the best solo items in the show. Good presence is required from this character, who must be dominant when on stage. He is the father of Nanki-Poo. The Mikado is the law. In fact, ‘When his majesty says, “Let a thing be done,” it’s as good as done – practically it is done – because His Majesty’s will is law.’
What you need to prepare for your audition
Lead roles – named characters as listed If you want to be considered for a named role you should prepare the following. A song in classical style (which could include pre-1960s musicals) which demonstrates the full range and capacity of your voice. This can be a song from The Mikado or any other suitable song of your choice. A short monologue of your own choosing, lasting no more than 2 minutes. Chorus You will need to prepare the following. a) A song which demonstrates the full range and capacity of your voice. This can be a song from The Mikado or any other suitable song of your choice. b) The relevant line from Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day (from The Mikado) for your voice type – first verse only. In the audition you will be asked to sing the part you have prepared with appropriate accompaniment, and if you wish you may bring someone else to sing the same part with you. A copy of the music is included in this audition pack.
You need to bring 2 extra copies of any song you plan to sing with you to the audition (not including Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day)
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The Mikado 2020 Auditions 8 – 9 February 2020
Administrative matters Booking your audition time Please email The Mikado at [email protected] to arrange a suitable time over the weekend 8th & 9th February. One of his minions will respond. Communication Email will be the primary means of communication among cast and crew for this show. Audition venue and arrival time All auditions will be held at Community Home Care (CHC) at 3 Parade Road Bunbury, between the Fire Station and the Men’s Shed (see attached map). Please turn up about 10 minutes before your scheduled audition time. Audition form An audition form is attached, and it will be helpful if you fill this in before you come, but fear not – blank copies will be available at the venue. You should certainly read through the form before attending your audition. The form requires you to commit to various matters essential for your participation in the show, including: your availability for all performances; attendance at rehearsals; timely notification by phone or email if you are unable to attend any scheduled rehearsal; your arrival at rehearsals 10 minutes before scheduled start time; payment of appropriate SWOC membership fee at the commencement of the rehearsal period; checking and responding promptly to your Mikado email at least daily during the rehearsal and production period; NOT publishing any unauthorised pictures, videos or other material relating to the production, on social media or elsewhere. SWOC membership fees SWOC members If you have paid your annual fees, you have nothing further to pay. Non-members of SWOC Your fee for participation in this show will be of the order of $100 for adults or $75 for juniors (attending school) – figures to be confirmed. There will be some children in this show and, when taking out single event membership, we will also require you to be aware of, and agree to abide by, the company’s Child Protection Policy.
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The Mikado 2020 Auditions 8 – 9 February 2020
Rehearsal plan
Rehearsals will be on Monday and Thursday evenings from May to September as outlined below, and on Sunday afternoons in July, August and September. While not everyone will be required for all rehearsals, we need you to be available in principle on these days. Leads / named roles Rehearsals will commence in May, at 7:45pm on Thursday evenings at CHC, and will continue each Thursday up to performance in mid-September. Not all roles will be required at each rehearsal, and a detailed schedule will be issued nearer the rehearsal period. In addition there will be some rehearsals held on Sunday afternoons later in the rehearsal period; probably from mid-July onwards. Where your role participates in a chorus number, you may need to attend relevant chorus rehearsals on Monday evenings. Chorus Chorus rehearsals will commence Monday May 25th at 7:15pm at CHC, and will continue every Monday evening up to performances in September. There will be additional rehearsals on some Sunday afternoons from July onwards. A detailed schedule will be sent out in advance. Thursday evenings may also be used as necessary.
Performances At the time of writing neither venues nor dates have been finalised. We plan to perform the show in Bunbury over the weekend 12-13 September, and in 2 other towns the following weekend (19-20 September). We are currently thinking in terms of Busselton and Margaret River performances that weekend. We aim to spend the night of the 19th away from home (cast, orchestra and crew) and to subsidise the cost of accommodation. Details to be finalised once venues and dates have been confirmed.
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Maps showing location of Community Home Care, Parade Rd. Bunbury
Fire Station – No through road
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The Mikado 2020
AUDITION FORM
NAME
ADDRESS
CONTACT NUMBERS Home:
Mobile: eMail ADDRESS
VOICE TYPE (soprano / alto / tenor / bass)
What ROLE(s) would you like to play?
Will you accept a different role? Perform in the chorus?
PREVIOUS THEATRE / MUSIC EXPERIENCE:
SPECIAL SKILLS (eg. Juggling / Dancing / Playing an instrument)
Are you interested in contributing to the show by helping in any of these areas?
Set construction Props Costumes Make-up Hair
The Mikado Audition Form page 2
If you are cast in the show, we will need your agreement to each of the following. Please indicate your agreement by signing below. If you are unable to commit to one or more of these requirements, please indicate which one(s), put a line through it/them, and mention this to the audition panel or audition reception.
REHEARSALS will be on Monday (generally chorus) and Thursday (generally leads) evenings, and some Sunday afternoons from July onwards. Weekday rehearsals will start in May 2020 (May 25th for chorus; earlier in the month for some leads). A detailed schedule will be issued closer to the rehearsal period. You will not be required to attend every rehearsal, but should be available to attend as required on Monday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. You agree always to inform us as far in advance as possible if you are unable to attend a rehearsal you are called for.
PHOTOGRAPHS You consent to us using photographs we may take of you for the purpose of promoting the show, including for the printed programme and in advertising media.
SINGLE EVENT You will need to be a member of SWOC and to consent to SWOC’s Child MEMBERSHIP OF Protection Policy. If you are not already a member, you will need to take SWOC out ‘single event membership’. The membership fee* will be payable at the first rehearsal.
PERFORMANCES You agree to be available for all performances over the weekends 12-13 and 19-20 September 2020, for two of which you will be expected to travel to neighbouring towns (e.g. Busselton & Margaret River).
COMMUNICATION The principal means of communication for all matters concerning this show will be email. You agree to check your email at least daily during the rehearsal and production period, and always to respond promptly to emails as required.
SOCIAL MEDIA & You agree NOT to publish any unauthorised pictures, videos or other PUBLICITY material relating to the production, on social media or elsewhere.
I agree to abide by each of these requirements if I am cast in the show.
Signature:
* Fees not yet finalised – will be of the order of $100 for adults or $75 for school students
Brightly dawns our wedding day Sir Arthur Sullivan The Mikado 5 (1842-1900) Yum-Yum Bright - ly dawns our wed - ding Let us dry the rea - dy Pitti-Sing
Nanki-Poo
Pish-Tush
Piano RH Piano LH
S day; Joy - ous hour, we give thee greet- ing! Whi-ther, whi - ther art thou tear, Though the hours are sure - ly creep- ing, Lit - tle need for woe - ful
A Joy - ous hour, we give thee greet - ing! Whi- ther, whi - ther art thou Though the hours are sure - ly creep - ing, Lit - tle need for woe - ful
T Joy - ous hour, we give thee greet - ing! Whi-ther, whi - ther art thou Though the hours are sure - ly creep - ing, Lit - tle need for woe - ful B Joy - ous hour, we give thee greet - ing! Whi-ther, whi - ther art thou Though the hours are sure - ly creep - ing, Lit - tle need for woe - ful 1 Brightly dawns our wedding day - Sullivan 10 15 S fleet- ing? Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! weep- ing, Till the sad sun - down is near, till the sad sun - down is here.
A fleet - ing? Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! weep - ing, Till the sad sun - down is near, till the sad sun - down is here. T fleet - ing? Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! weep - ing, Till the sad sun - down is near, till the sad sun - down is here. B fleet - ing? Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! Fick-le mo-ment, prith-ee stay! weep - ing, Till the sad sun - down is near, till the sad sun - down is here.
20 S Though the This the A Plea-sures come, if sor-rows fol-low: Though the I to - day and thou to - mor-row, This the T Though the This the B What though mor tal joys be hol-low? Though the All must sip the cup of sor-row, This the
2 Brightly dawns our wedding day - Sullivan S toc - sin sound ere long, though the toc - sin sound ere long, though close of ev' - ry song, this the close of ev' - ry song, this A toc - sin sound ere long. Ding, dong! Ding, dong! Ding, close of ev' - ry song. T toc - sin sound ere long, ere long. though the toc - sin sound ere close of ev' - ry, ev' - ry song. this the close of ev' - ry B toc - sin sound ere long. Ding, dong! Ding, dong! Ding, close of ev' - ry song.
25 30 S the toc - sin sound ere long, Yet un - ding dong! ding, dong! the close of ev' - ry song, What though
A Yet un - dong! Ding, dong! ding, dong! ding, dong! What though T long, sound ere long. Yet un - ding, dong! ding, dong! song, ev' - ry song. What though
B Yet un - dong! Ding, dong! ding, dong! ding, dong! What though
3 Brightly dawns our wedding day - Sullivan 35 S til the sha-dows fall Ov - er one and ov-er all, Sing a mer-ry ma-dri - gal, sing a sol-emn sha-dows fall, Soon-er, la - ter, ov-er all?
A til the sha-dows fall Ov - er one and ov-er all, Sing a sol-emn sha-dows fall, Soon-er, la - ter, ov-er all?
T til the sha-dows fall Ov - er one and ov-er all, Sing a sol-emn sha-dows fall, Soon-er, la - ter, ov-er all? B til the sha-dows fall Ov - er one and ov-er all, Sing a sol-emn sha-dows fall, Soon-er, la - ter, ov-er all?
40 S mer-ry ma-dri - gal, sing a mer-ry ma-dri - gal, Fa la, fa
A mer-ry ma-dri - gal, sing a mer-ry ma-ri - gal, Fa la la la la la, fa la T mer-ry ma-dri - gal, sing a mer-ry ma-dri - gal, Fa la la B mer-ry ma-dri - gal, sing a mer-ry ma-dri - gal, Fa la la la la, fa la la la la la
4 Brightly dawns our wedding day - Sullivan 45 S la, fa la la la la fa la la la la, fa la la la la, fa la la la la la la la A la la la la la, fa la la, fa la, fa la, fa la la la la la, fa la T la la, fa la la la la, fa la la la la, fa la la la la, fa la la la B la, fa la la la la la la, fa la, fa la la la la, fa la
dim. 50 55 S la, fa la la la, fa la, fa la la la, fa la, fa la la, fa la la, fa la la. dim. A la, fa la la, fa la la la, fa la, fa la la, fa la la, fa la la dim. T la, fa la la la, fa la, fa la la la, fa la, fa la la, fa la la, fa la la. dim. B la la la, fa la la la, fa la, fa la la, fa la la, fa la la, fa la la.
5 Brightly dawns our wedding day - Sullivan