WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Allan Gruet. July 12, 2006: Thursday night, Westchester Broadwayt Theatre opens its summer show, the sizzling “HOT MIKADO” is a 1940’s swing-time, gospel-infused version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s  most popular operetta, “The Mikado.” The show will feature a multi-media effect never-before-seen at the premier Westchester venue: giant video screens of the rock concert variety that will repackage the live sensory experience.

The Leads.  Sarah Darling as Yum-Yum, Jay Russell as Ko-Ko,
       and Adam Zelasko as Nanki-Poo

Photo, Courtesy, Westchester Broadway Theatre  By John Vecchiola

“Hot Mikado” is a hilariously funny story about Nanki-Poo, a wandering minstrel (who now plays the trumpet) and his beautiful little sweetheart, Yum-Yum. Yum-Yum, however is engaged to the town executioner, and there is another lady, an aging torch singer named Katisha who is on the trail of boyfriend Nanki-Poo.

The love triangle and all of the complications are what set the tone for this hilariously funny, upbeat production. Try to imagine “Three Little Maids” sung in the style of the Andrew Sisters, or “Alone  and Yet Alive” performed as a torch song, or “Katisha’s Warning” as a gospel number. Comedy and high energy dance numbers are the main features of this modern adaptation.

Director/choreographer David Bell has included many different styles of dance, including jitterbug, tap, swing, and a number of other modern and contemporary dance styles. High-stepping gentlemen take to the stage wearing brightly colored Zoot suits. Gilbert and Sullivan’s nonsensical plot hasn’t changed too much, but the music is definitely updated by Rob Bowman, who is responsible for the musical adaptation and arrangements. The show is a funny and irreverent production that takes nothing seriously, including itself!

“Hot Mikado” offers high-energy entertainment!

The Westchester Broadway Theatre production will star Ted Levy as The Mikado, Jay Russell as Ko-Ko , Michael James Leslie as Pooh-Bah, BJ Crosby as Katisha, Adam Zelasko as Nanki-Poo, Sarah Darling as Yum-Yum, Stephanie Youell as Pitti-Sing, and Kia Lee as Peep-Bo. The entire production is Choreographed and directed by David Bell, with Musical Direction by Joel Gelpe, Costume design by Brian Hemeseth, Set design is by George Puello & Steve Loftus, Lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, and Sound design by Jon Hatton.

For ticket information, contact 914-592-2222, 10 A.M. through the evening, 7 days a week.