The Story
Sinfonicron Presents "The Mikado"
Sinfonicron Light Opera Company's production of "The Mikado" features Kanene Donehey, Maurene Comey and Sara Black. Photo courtesy of Sinfonicron.
Beware! Flirting is a crime punishable by death!
But only in the town of Titipu, and only in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. William and Mary’s light opera company, Sinfonicron, returns for the 42nd year with a revival of their inaugural production, "The Mikado."
The 1885 operetta tells the tale of poor Yum-Yum (Bethany Bagley), set to marry the Lord High Executioner (Thomas Brigham), but in love with the strolling minstrel, Nanki-Po (Ben McVety). When Nanki-Po turns out to be the Emperor, or Mikado’s (Tom Bambara) son, chaos results.
Gilbert and Sullivan set "The Mikado" in the far-off land of Japan in order to cleverly make fun of English nineteenth century courts and law. The Mikado is not an accurate depiction of Japan; it is an English fairytale.
“It’s an English play in Japanese clothing,” said cast member Sara Black, who plays Pitti-Sing.
One of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most-often produced works, "The Mikado" has such recognizable lines as “let the punishment fit the crime.”
As is customary for Sinfonicron productions, the lyrics of the song “As Some Day It May Happen” were changed to hit closer to home.
Gilbert and Sullivan music is all about diction, and this year even the back row of the balcony will hear the soaring voices of the cast, thanks to a new sound system given to the company by an anonymous donor.
Beginning in 1965, the Sinfonicron Light Opera Company, formed by the music organizations Phi Mu Alpha, Delta Omicron, and Nu Kappa Epsilon, and the Theater Students Associations, performs a light opera annually. The cast and crew give up two and a half weeks of winter break to rehearse intensely for 10 hours a day. The set and costumes are all created at this time as well. When cast members are not singing or dancing, they are painting, hammering or sewing. What results is a professional-quality production.
“The whole production is done by the students. There is a peer level of respect. We do it because we love theater,” explained Mikado Director Cheryl Gnerlich.
Owen Beste, senior International Relations major and a member of "The Mikado" chorus, stated that this is the only time during the year that most non-majors have the opportunity to do theater.
Sinfonicron is not all work. Cast and crew unity is important for a successful production. Company manager Brittany Bonney planned social events such as bowling and “Sinfonoween.” For “Sinfonoween” company members dressed up in costume and ate Brusters ice-cream, a tradition started by Sinfonicron alumna Sara Strehle in 2005. Another tradition is the annual cast and crew contra dance hosted by Geology Professor Emeritus, Steve Clement.
“My favorite part of Sinfonicron is the people. The people make the show what it is” said Freshman Tomas Bringham, who plays Ko-Ko in the production. “No other time in college can you be with your friends 24 hours a day.”
This year the cast includes 29 people " 20 chorus members and nine leads. For senior Cheryl Gnerlich, a theater and biology major, directing a Sinfonicron production was a goal since sophomore year.
“Cheryl has been a great director,” said senior company member Peter Thomas. “She has kept the cast upbeat and positive.”
Gnerlich wanted to bring realism to the silliness of the Gilbert and Sullivan script. In order to accomplish this, she did character work with each actor. Even the chorus members have names and personalities.
“My character is an angry war vet named Tutu” said senior chorus member Nathan Bowen.
Dramaturge Angelo Merendo did extensive research into nineteenth century Japan, allowing the cast to more accurately depict Japanese culture. The women all take very tiny steps because of the restrictive nature of kimonos.
The creative vision for the Mikado was a collaborative process between Gnerlich, the choreographer (Evan Cook) and the vocal director (Lizbee Barth). Cook’s choreography ranges from fan dances, to tangos and male kick lines. The cast makes singing Gilbert’s fast-paced lyrics while doing pirouettes with parasols look easy.
According to Producer Amy Haldeman, Sinfonicron’s Mikado “is a picture of people collaborating on what they care about.”
Performances are Jan. 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. with matinees Jan. 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. in Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall (PBK) main-stage auditorium,
Tickets can be reserved in person at PBK Hall or by phone at (757) 221-2674. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $5 for students and children. The box office is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
To learn more about Sinfonicron, visit www.sinfonicron.org