Opera goes light for summer

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Although "The Mikado" — with Kevin Anderson as Nanki-Poo, left, and Kathryn Krasovec as Yum-Yum in the HOT production — was created more than a century ago, the script coincides with "scandals and faux pas that are going on today, so it's still quite relevant," says soprano Cathy Foy, who will make her HOT debut in the role of Pitti-Sing. Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Nanki-Poo (Kevin Anderson) is willing to risk beheading for a chance to marry Yum-Yum (Kathryn Krasovec) in "The Mikado."

Pooh-Bah (Michael Gallup), left, Pish-Tush (Jordan Shanahan) and Ko-Ko (Curt Olds) are robed in a few of the numerous fanciful costumes created by designer Anne Namba for "The Mikado."

'THE MIKADO' An operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, produced by Hawaii Opera Theatre 8 p.m. today and Aug. 13; 4 p.m. Sunday and Aug. 15; children's matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday; groups and military night, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14 Blaisdell Concert Hall $20-$75 (10 percent discount available to military); $10 for Saturday matinee, one in a party of four must be under age 18; $20 for seats Aug. 14 596-7858; hawaiiopera.org

It enables the Hawaii Opera Theatre, the producing organization, to expand beyond its normal winter season of three grand operas — usually a mix of dramatic tragedies with an occasional comedy — to include an off-season extra. The intent is to grow the audience base, perhaps bringing younger folks and the beach crowd to the opera hall. The theory is, if viewers get hooked with summertime operettas, these occasional fans may take a bigger nibble in the meatier winter menu of shows.

"It's the first time HOT is doing 'The Mikado,' " said Henry Akina, the opera organization's general director and artistic director, who is directing the summer spectacle. "We had been considering doing something that was not grand opera, and in polling our audiences, there was a wish for one production at another time of the year that was under served."

Akina said "The Mikado" filled the bill — something provocative, still with resonance and appeal, and a familiar ring within the community. And it comes from a time that, many years ago (but no longer), included Herb Rogers musicals that brought theatrical splendor to the summer season. There was initial doubt among HOT regulars about doing light opera, but the grand effort seems to have garnered support, with the ultimate proof in brisk advance ticket sales.

The tale, wrought with romance amid a tangle of complexities that include, of all things, suicidal tendencies, threats of decapitations, and quirky turns in the law, remains a joyful challenge for tenor Kevin Anderson. He plays the lead male, Nanki-Poo, who falls in love big time with Yum-Yum (soprano Kathryn Krasovec), who is betrothed to Ko-Ko (baritone Curt Olds). Anderson did the role once previously, with the Edmonton Opera, about eight or nine years ago.

"Gilbert and Sullivan were so smart (in) the way they got things done," said Anderson. "Nanki-Poo, who is the essence of good, functions as a straight man for all the larger-than-life elements that surround him. In show-biz language, I set him up, they (other characters and plot devices) knock him down."

Though crammed with elements of the Japanese tradition, "The Mikado" is not really about Japan, said Akina. "Many feel it's not really complimentary to the Japanese people, who have a long tradition in Honolulu, but people here can quote the words from the script; it's been one of the favorite (of all operettas) in Hawai'i."

It's said that Gilbert's inspiration for "The Mikado" started when a Japanese sword hanging on a wall in his study suddenly fell from its place, serving as an omen for Gilbert, who turned his interest to creating a biting satire with an Eastern flavor.

He didn't travel to Japan for research; instead, he discovered a little village, Knightsbridge, where Japanese immigrants lived, just a mile from his own home in South Kensington, London, so the play's Titipu town is based on this community.

"I think it's a great idea to stage 'The Mikado,' " said soprano Cathy Foy, who is making her HOT debut as Pitti-Sing. She describes the character as "an assertive, modern young woman who protects her sister, Yum-Yum, and not your particular airhead."

Although the show was created more than 100 years ago, Foy said, "there are altered words that coincide with scandals and faux pas going on today, so it's still quite relevant.

"The costumes are not only fun, but exquisite," Foy continued. "Anne Namba puts a little humor in the costumes; don't be surprised if you happen to see a plate of sushi as one of the accessories to my hairpiece; I mean, it's eat your lunch and wear it as a hat."

Foy said Gilbert and Sullivan have been called "the Beatles of the Victorian age, since all the people were singing their songs. ... 'The Mikado' was arguably the most popular of their shows."

Krasovec, who also is making her first appearance with HOT, perceives her character "as a girl who's intelligent, very sincere and honest, who learns to use her wit and her charm to get what she needs at the time."

"The Mikado," she said, is a good introduction to opera for the uninitiated, and pure fun for those familiar with the genre.

"While it's fun, it's not easy singing," said Krasovec. "I feel I have to be in top form to perform this role, just as I would perfect any other role; it's just as demanding as Mozart."

Krasovec has lived the past five years in Germany, "singing many operas with text in German, trying to get rid of my American accent," she said.

To do "The Mikado" right, Akina said, HOT has committed resources and money, and budgeted carefully, in a time of cutbacks in arts funding.

"It is a costly endeavor. But we looked at this as part of a long-range plan; we raised money up front, so the box office would start at a highly funded level, thanks to wonderful individuals in the community as well as foundations who believe we can achieve success."

The goal is to produce a summer show each year, or every other year, Akina said.

He said HOT doesn't want to compete with the resident community theaters in the Islands. "Rather, we want to do occasional pieces with our focus and, hopefully, find a niche."

Many Honolulu Symphony Orchestra musicians are out of town on summer contracts, but Akina said a reduced orchestra will support the production — 36 players instead of the usual 63 during an HOT season. A 32-member opera chorus also will be employed. "This still is one of the largest, if not the largest, 'Mikado' produced here," he said.

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.

'THE MIKADO'

Music by: Arthur Sullivan

Lyrics and book by: W.S. Gilbert

Originally staged: March 14, 1885, at the Savoy Theatre, London

What's it about: A young fellow named Nanki-Poo, who has banished himself from the little town of Titipu, falls in love with a beauty named Yum-Yum. Unfortunately, she is engaged to her guardian, the tailor Ko-Ko, who has been condemned to death for the capital crime of flirting. Nanki-Poo learns, however, that Ko-Ko not only has been granted a reprieve, but is promoted to Lord High Executioner.

Those in power, however, reason that Ko-Ko himself was destined for execution and should therefore be next to lose his head. The Mikado, noting a lack of executions in Titipu, decrees if there are no executions within a month, the city would be reduced to the status of a village.

Ko-Ko, hoping to avoid his own execution, seeks to find a substitute, and an opportune one emerges — Nanki-Poo, who wants to take his own life rather than live without Yum-Yum. Ko-Ko offers Nanki-Poo a month of luxurious living prior to a relatively painless decapitation, and Nanki-Poo agrees on the condition that he be married to Yum-Yum immediately so he can spend a month in wedded bliss.

As the wedding begins, a law is discovered, much to Yum-Yum's distress, that decrees that a condemned man's wife must be buried alive with his corpse.

What to look for: Haute-couture costumes by designer Anne Namba.

Expect community cameos: Taiko master Kenny Endo, sumotori Ace Yonamine and Consul General of Japan Masatoshi Muto make appearances.

Dining-out connection: Many restaurants (some offering prix-fixe menus) offer opera-related menus; Honolulu Club has a discount for ticket holders; call 596-7858 or visit www.hawaiiopera.org.