FORD'S HOT MIKADO SET TO ELECTRIFY LONDON with West End Opening Scheduled For May 1995. For current Ford's Theatre information go to the Ford's Theatre Web site
Washington, D.C.... Frankie Hewitt, Producing Artistic Director of Ford's Theatre, today announced the opening of Hot Mikado this spring in the United Kingdom. The show, which made its sizzling world premiere at Ford's Theatre in 1986 and enjoyed an acclaimed revival on Ford's stage in 1994, is a spicy 1940's version of Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta. Hot Mikado is a creation of director/ choreographer David Bell, who adapted the book and lyrics, and Rob Bowman, who adapted the score. Performances begin at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on April 26, and at the Queens Theatre in London on May 21, 1995.
A jazzy dance musical, Hot Mikado tells the story of Nanki-Poo, a trombone player in a traveling swing orchestra, and his efforts to win the affections of Yum-Yum, a doo-wah singer. His efforts are hindered while trying to escape the silly-putty hands of Ko-Ko, Lord High Executioner, and the passionate pursuits of Katisha, a sultry torch singer.
The Washington Post called Hot Mikado "deliriously upbeat...looks and sounds smashing." The Washington Afro-American raved " top notch...the hottest production to hit in years," while The Journal Papers thought Hot Mikado to be "scintillating, dynamic and thoroughly entertaining."
The United Kingdom production will be produced by Ronald S. Lee, whose successful productions of American musicals in the U.K. have included Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The Sound of Music and The King and I. In addition to producing, Mr. Lee is president of Group Sales Box Office, a New York and London theatre ticket selling organization. Frankie Hewitt, who will serve as co-producer, is currently in London for casting of the show.
Original Ford's Theatre designs by Daniel Proett, whose whimsical set includes a neon pagoda, and Jess Goldsmith, who created colorful zoot suits for the Gentleman of Japan, will be used. Ross Lehman will reprise his role as Ko-Ko, the timid tailor turned Lord High Executioner. In his The New York Times review, David Richards called Lehman "a grade A clown...as he sings it, 'Tit Willow,' that saccharine ode to a heartbroken bird, is the funniest song I've heard this year."
Evoking fond memories of Cab Calloway, the Andrews Sisters and Bessie Smith, Hot Mikado promises to wow London with more of the same laughs and high energy nnusical entertainment that made it a success in Washington, D.C.