TheM

usical

BOX OFFICE01727 844488Civic Centre, St Albans AL1 3LD

7.45pm8th – 12th November

Saturday matinee 2.30pm

7.45pm 10th–14th May

Saturday

matinee 2.30pm

ST

ALBANS

OPERATIC

SOCIETY

Hot Mikado. Book and lyrics adapted by DAVID H.BELL. Music adapted and arranged by ROB BOWMAN. Based on “The Mikado”by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Originally produced at Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D.C., Frankie Hewitt, Producing Director.

These amateur performances are given by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan New Music by Jeanine Tesori New Lyrics by Dick ScanlanOriginal Story and Screenplay by Richard Morris for the Universal Pictures Film, Originally Produced for Broadway byMichael Leavitt Fox Theatricals Hal Luftig, Stewart F. Lane James L. Nederlander Independent Presenters NetworkL. Mages/M. Glick Berinstein/Manocherian/Dramatic Forces, John York Noble & Whoopi GoldbergThis amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD. on behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of NEW YORK.

design

edandproduced

bywww.art-direction.co.uk

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

OUR

NEXT SHOW

WELCOME TO ST ALBANS OPERATIC SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION OF

We are very excited to be presenting this fabulous show based on Gilbert andSullivan’s The Mikado; adapted by David H. Bell and Rob Bowman. The comicalplot and libretto are very much the same as Gilbert’s and the original themes ofSullivan’s music ring through the piece.

Once again, the calibre of our principal performers is extremely high, with manyof them having won awards when performing with us previously. This is aproduction that we have all enjoyed being part of and everyone involved, bothon stage and off, has risen to the challenge of bringing this show to life in itsnew twenty-first century London nightclub setting.

As always I should like to thank all of the people who, behind-the-scenes, haveworked tirelessly and given up their time to get this production on the stage.We genuinely couldn’t do it without them.

For the third year running our society has received a prestigious award from theregional National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), underlining thequality of our Society’s shows. Jesus Christ Superstar won the NODA Award forBest Musical in our Region – so we are confident that you will enjoy ourperformance of Hot Mikado this evening!

Samantha CrossChairperson

For everyone’s enjoymentWe want you to enjoy this evening’s performance to the full,

so as a courtesy to both audience and cast:

• Switch off all mobile phones and pagers.

• Do not use cameras, video cameras or recording equipment of any kind.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Innovation in Marketing& Promotional Products

Our experience and industry knowledge, gainedover a 25 year period, ensures that we can alwaysmeet your requirements for promotional products,incentives and product launch giveaways

We’re justifiably proud of our reputation for qualityproducts at value for money prices and, most ofall, our excellent customer service

Is there something we can do for you?

0870 890 2847www.brandzltd.com

• Subscribe to our catalogue of 70,000“ready to brand” products

• Speak to our designers about bespoke brandedproducts, merchandise and giveaways

Hot Mikado

Good evening Ladies and Gentleman and welcometo Titi-Poo!Set in present-day London in a Japanese themed

area, akin to China Town, Titi-Poo is an exclusivemembers-only cabaret nightclub, where celebritiesrub shoulders with the common throng with littleregard for the conventions of the outside world.

ACT ONENanki-Poo, a former member of the in-house band,joyously returns to the club to seek the love of hislife Yum-Yum; only to find his hopes dashed by thecorrupt General Manager, Pooh-Bah and thesuspicious Entertainments Manager, Pish-Tush.They explain how the condemned owner of Titi-Poo,Ko-Ko, was freed from incarceration to become therecent, ill appointed, “Lord High Executioner” (akind of hired hit-man for the local mafia), who isdue to marry Yum-Yum that day. In despair Nanki-Poo leaves to find Yum-Yum.Ko-Ko enters and boasts of his promotion to thepatrons of his nightclub. He exerts power over themall by explaining that if he should be called upon “toact professionally”, he has a list with the names ofthose to be executed! He awaits the arrival of hisbetrothed and discusses the reception with Pooh-Bah.Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo, star cabaret

performers of the club, perform their signaturenumber to the eager patrons. It is evident that Yum-Yum has no desire to marry Ko-Ko and whenNanki-Poo declares his love for Yum-Yum it is clearto all that the feeling is mutual. Alone, the younglovers sing of their love and the predicament whichprevents them from being together.Pish-Tush and Pooh-Bah find Ko-Ko. A message

has arrived from the Mikado (head of the localmafia and feared by all!) that declares hisdispleasure at the lack of executions. As all threesquirm over who should be put to death. Nanki-Poo, in despair over being unable to marryYum-Yum, attempts suicide.A bargain is struck! Nanki-Poo agrees to be

beheaded in a month in return for marryingYum-Yum. All are happy with this arrangementand general toasts and celebrations begin.

Suddenly the mood changes as an older woman,Katisha, crashes the party and reveals her formerengagement to Nanki-Poo. She has arrived to claimhim in marriage! Pitti-Sing intervenes and chastisesKatisha. The gathered crowd declare their joy andpreference for the young couple and Katisha leavesin high dudgeon, threatening to seek theintervention of the Mikado.

ACT TWOYum-Yum’s friends are preparing for her wedding toNanki-Poo and all sing with joy of things to come,even if they are to be short lived! Ko-Ko tries tospoil the celebrations by revealing the law of theMikado which states an executed man’s wife mustbe buried alive with her husband’s corpse. Thelovers and Ko-Ko sing of their predicament and theimpossibility of marriage. Nanki-Poo again favourssuicide which will scupper Ko-Ko’s plans of carryingout an execution. The Mikado is now ten minutesaway from the club and in desperation Ko-Kodecides to lie and send the lovers away to beinstantly married!The Mikado enters and sings of his macabre

pleasure of making “the punishment fit the crime”.Ko-Ko puts on a grand performance of the mockexecution of Nanki-Poo, only to be informed byKatisha that Nanki-Poo is the son of the Mikado! Inhorror the club staff are told the manner of thepunishment for killing the son of the Mikado. TheMikado leaves for dinner.The newlywed Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum enter

and refuse to help unless Ko-Ko placates Katisha bywooing and marrying her. Katisha sings of herdespair at not being loved and the heartaches shehas suffered over the years.Ko-Ko endeavours to woo the furious Katisha

with a tale of heartache and love and eventuallysucceeds. The two find they have much in commonand leave to get married. The principals reveal all tothe Mikado who, happy at the return of his son andflattered by the acceptance of tyrannical power,decides to forgo any punishments but insteadenters into a song of celebration.We hope you enjoy your time at our exclusive

nightclub!

Ian Rowe DirectorIan is delighted to be making his directorial debut with the company,having enjoyed performing with them as the Pirate King in the Piratesof Penzance. Ian has previously directed Humble Boy, The Lady in TheVan, Three Tall Women, all at the Abbey Theatre, St. Albans.Ian is a professional actor and recent stage roles include: Squaddie,Strip Search (one man play); Samuel Cooper, Here I’ll Stay – Kurt

Weill in America; Smee, Peter Pan. Television work includes Queer as Old Folk,Channel Four; Sex on The Job, LWT; 999-In Extreme Danger, BBC ONE. Films include:Mating Season – due to be released Spring/Summer 2012.Local residents will also recognise Ian from his work at the Abbey Theatre where recentperformances have included: Sam Berryman, Flat Spin; Dionysus, The Bacchae; Clive,Season’s Greetings and Justin, Role.

Graham ThomsonMusical DirectorGraham was born and educated in St. Andrews, Fife. He studiedmusic in Edinburgh and Cardiff before moving to Orkney in 1976.He founded the Orkney Orchestra and resurrected the Orkney ChoralUnion. Two years playing chorus and principal roles followed beforehe became Musical Director of the Kirkwall Operatic Society for aperiod of five years. He moved to St Albans in 1991 to take up thepost of Head of Music at a Church of England Secondary School.

Graham has played keyboards, bassoon, double bass and bass guitar for manysocieties and has been MD on numerous occasions for various companies, mostnotable; ‘Chess’ and ‘Hot Mikado’ Harpenden, ‘The Gondoliers’ and ‘Yeomen of theGuard’ Putteridge Bury G & S Society.His last show as MD with SAOS was ‘Trial by Jury’ and ‘HMS Pinafore’ in 2002, andhe is delighted to be back conducting for the Society once again.

Chris Cuming ChoreographerChris is currently training in Directing/Performance Arts at Central School of Speech &Drama. Chris has directed and choreographed shows including, ‘The Winter’s Tale’CSSD, ‘Our House’ &‘The Music Man’ Watford Palace Theatre, ‘The Full Monty’Overtures, ‘Billy’ and ‘Mame’ for Green Room, ‘Sweeney Todd’, the London amateurpremier of ‘I Love You Because’ and ‘tick, tick... BOOM’ with his own companyMProductions who are an associate company of Trestle Arts Base. Chris is currentlyworking on ‘Antigone’ & ‘Little Women’ with MProductions, ‘Hello Dolly’ with CassioOS at the Watford Palace Theatre and choreographing a site specific piece of theatre inShoreditch Town Hall.

Hot Mikado

Graham Jackson –Ko-KoThis is Graham’s second show with SAOS having previouslyplayed the role of Pirelli (Sweeney Todd). A veteran of standardGilbert and Sullivan operattas he is delighted to have been givento have been given the chance to perform in this “Hot” version.He is enjoying being back with some old friends and makingnew ones, having taken a break from shows last year. Hehopes you enjoy the show.

Julian Wathen –Pish-TushJulian is delighted to be performing in Hot Mikado with such a talentedcast. Previous roles for SAOS: Judas (JCS), Anthony Hope (SweeneyTodd), Joe Cable (South Pacific), Sergeant of Police (Pirates ofPenzance), Rick (A Slice of Saturday Night) and Sky Masterson(Guys and Dolls). Julian is also a member of the Company of Tenrecently performing in A Christmas Carol and Hobson's Choice.

Louisa Stevens –Yum YumLouisa's previous theatre roles include: Adriana (A Comedy ofErrors); Lis (Fando and Lis); Myrrhine (Lysistrata); Woman (Bash);Gwendolyn (The Importantance of Being Earnest); Charlotte Corday(Marat/Sade); Katie (The Regina Monologues); Ronette (Little Shopof Horrors); Sheila (An Inspector Calls); Frances (Racing Demon);Clare/Valerie/Louise (Road); Mary Warren (The Crucible) and Marietta(Fontamara). Louisa is delighted to be playing Yum-Yum in her secondshow for SAOS.

Kerry Lee –Pitti-SingThis is Kerry's fourth show with St Albans Operatic, havingpreviously played the parts of Erma (Anything Goes); Consuela(West Side Story) and most recently Mary Magdalene (JCS).Kerry has been performing from a young age and her favouriteroles include Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz); Bianca (Kiss me Kate);Tracy (Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens); Val and Diana(A Chorus Line); Charity (Sweet Charity) and Babette (Beauty andthe Beast) with Watford Operatic. Kerry is delighted to be returningonce again to the Alban Arena and playing the part of Pitti-Sing.

Penny Joyner –Peep-BoPenny trained at Laine Theatre Arts. During her time at collegeshe performed with Rod Stewart for the BBC Live Olympic Torchconcert at Buckingham Palace, this was followed by TV appearancesin ‘Ant & Dec Saturday Night Takeaway’ and ‘No Talent Required’with Dr Fox. Shortly after graduating, Penny joined the company ofthe production of The Ratpack playing one of the Burelli sisters. Thiswas followed by playing the part of Petra (A Little Night Music) andalso the production of Cinderella with Julian Clary at the BirminghamHippodrome Theatre. Penny is delighted to be returning to the AlbanArena to play Peep Bo in the Hot Mikado and would like to dedicate herperformances to her proud parents, Pam and Stephen.

Charlotte Gregory –KatishaCharlotte is delighted to be returning to the Arena. Previous roles forSAOS include Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd); Nellie Forbush (SouthPacific); the title roles in Calamity Jane and Hello Dolly and AdoAnnie, (Oklahoma). Professional tours include London, Singaporeand Disneyland, Paris. For Brilliant Productions, Principal VocalistShowstoppers!, Showstoppers – The Movies and A Grand Night forSinging. Other favourite roles include Miss Hannigan (Annie); Florence(Chess); Wardrobe (Beauty and the Beast); Anna (The King and I); TheLady (Blues in the Night); the Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods) and MissSherman(Fame).

Pedro Lloyd Gardiner –Nanki-PooPedro trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts on theActing BA (Hons) course. Some of his past credits include Polpochin Marat/Sade, DeVere in Loveplay, Nicky in People on the River,Ciaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar (SAOS) and The Ghost OfChristmas Present in A Christmas Carol (Talkwood Productions).Pedro has thoroughly enjoyed working with such an amazingproduction team on Hot Mikado. This is his second show forSt Albans Operatic Society and is thrilled to be back!

Robert Milner –The MikadoRobert's previous roles with SAOS include Pilate (JCS), Curly(Oklahoma) and Fred (Kiss Me Kate). He's also recently playedHiggins (My Fair Lady) and Billy (Carousel) with Letchworth. Robert'sa regular with Abbots Langley G&S where he recently played SirJoseph in HMS Pinafore and directed Jack the Ripper. Having playedPish Tush, Pooh Bah and Nanki Poo, Robert's delighted to add a4th Mikado role to his CV!

Matthew Gregory –Pooh-BahMatthew trained at the Royal Academy of Music. Previous roles forSAOS include Emile de Beque (South Pacific), for which he won aNODA award for “Best Performance in a Musical”; the title role inSweeney Todd; Wild Bill Hickok (Calamity Jane); Jud Fry (Oklahoma);Sergeant (Pirates); Escamillo (Carmen); Banquo (Macbeth) andDiesel (West Side Story). Other favourite roles include Beast (Beautyand the Beast); Fred Graham (Kiss me Kate); Arac (Princess Ida)and Molokov (Chess).

We Are Gentlemen of Japan ............................................................................Gentlemen,Pish-Tush Men

AWand'ring Minstrel I....................................................................................................................Nanki-Poo,Men

And the DrumsWill Crash................................................................................................Pooh-Bah, Ensemble

Behold the Lord High Executioner ......................................................................................Ko-Ko, Ensemble

I've Got a Little List........................................................................................................................Ko-Ko, Ensemble

Three Little Maids.............................................................................................Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing

This Is What I'll Never Do................................................................................................Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum

I Am So Proud.........................................................................................................Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko, Pish-Tush

Let the Throng Our Joy Advance................................................................................Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum

............................................................Peep-Bo, Pish-Tush, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah, Ensemble

Katisha's Entrance...............................................................................................................................................Katisha

For He's Gonna Marry Yum-Yum..................................................................................Pitti-Sing, Ensemble

The Hour of Gladness........................................................................................................................................Katisha

Finale - Act One................................................................................................................................................Company

Entr'acte................................................................................................................................................................Orchestra

Braid the Raven Hair.........................................................................................................Pish Tush, Ensemble

The Sun and I....................................................................................................................................................Yum-Yum

Swing a Merry Madrigal..................................................................................................Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing

.......................................................................................................Nanki-Poo, Pish-Tush, Peep Bo, Ensemble

Here's a Howdy-Do ........................................................................................Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko

The Mikado’s Song...................................................................................................The Mikado & Ensemble

Alone and Yet Alive .............................................................................................................................................Katisha

Tit-Willow ......................................................................................................................................................................Ko-Ko

Beauty In the Bellow of the Blast..........................................................................................Katisha, Ko-Ko

Finale ........................................................................................................................................................Entire Company

Playout....................................................................................................................................................................Orchestra

Act 1 Act 2

The Mikado .......................................................................................Robert Milner

Nanki-Poo.............................................................................Pedro Lloyd Gardiner

Yum-Yum........................................................................................Louisa Stevens

Pitti-Sing ..................................................................................................Kerry Lee

Peep-Bo.............................................................................................Penny Joyner

Pish-Tush..........................................................................................Julian Wathen

Ko-Ko ...........................................................................................Graham Jackson

Pooh-Bah ....................................................................................Matthew Gregory

Katisha ........................................................................................Charlotte Gregory

Gentlemen of Japan

Brian Carroll, Steven Deaville, Charlie Harden, John Hope, Andy McClennon

Ensemble

Andrea Adlam, Susan Akroyd, Leeanne Blatch, Graham Blundell,

Brian Carroll, Jo Coleman, Anna Crane, Samantha Cross, Stephen Deauville,

Liz Goodenough, Jenna Green, David Halshaw, Charlie Harden,

Jill Hollingsworth, John Hope, Andy McClennon, Shaun Phillips,

Kathy Pilkington, Michael Readman, Jessie Smith, Julia Smith, Claire Stanley,

Brett Tyrrell, Jane Watkinson.

Dancers

Leeanne Blatch, Jo Coleman, Anna Crane, Liz Goodenough, Jenna Green,

Jill Hollingsworth, Jessie Smith, Claire Stanley (Dance Captain)

The Cast

Director ..............................................................................................Ian RoweMusical Director...................................................................Graham ThomsonChoreographer ............................................................................Chris CumingProduction Manager ...............................................................Samantha CrossProduction Secretary ....................................................................Brian CarrollStage Manager ................................................................................Chris RookAssistant Stage Manager ................................................................Mike SmithBusiness Manager.................................................................Matthew GregoryAssistant to the Director ..................................................................Eve DaviesStage Crew.....................................Paul Sugden, Andy Butchart, Nicky ClarkeSound ..........................................................................................Phil StannardLighting .......................................................................................Simon PayneWardrobe.................................................Jen Clarke assisted by Sola Akinola,........................................................Janet Biggs, Jane Forster, Claire McMillinProps ...........................................................Samantha Cross, Lesley Duggan,...............................................................................Joyce Smith, Barry SawyerPublicity Team...............................Joe Hames, Charlie Harden, Hayley Evans,.....................................................John Hope, Hannah James, Shaun Phillips,..................................................Julia Smith, Rachael Timberlake, Brett TyrrellTicket Secretary ..................................................................................Pam KellProgramme Design ................................................................Graham BlundellOnline presence..........................................................................Shaun PhillipsRehearsal Accompanist .............................................................Malcolm ScottFront of House............................................................Mary Myers, Eve Davies......................................................assisted by members and friends of SAOSPhotography .................................................................................Spike BrownLibrarian..........................................................................................Penny GreyTeas and Coffees ................................Janet Biggs, Margaret Baker, Jean Day,.............................................Marilyn Warminger, Mary Myers, Karen Thorpe,...................................Jo Pearce-Westrop and members and friends of SAOS

Very grateful thanks to: St John Fisher School and Townsend School forrehearsal rooms and the Alban Arena.

Piano.................................................John Blackwell

Reeds ....................................................Chris Pettitt

Trumpet .................................................Chris Clarke

Trombone................................................Matt Quick

Bass.....................................................Alan Coghlan

Percussion ..............................................Les Arnold

Production Orchestra

Special thanks to Jen Clarke. We welcome a new comer to the wardrobe table!Jen is a dress designer and dress maker who lives in Marshalswick. She recentlygraduated and is ready to take orders from Ladies and Gents. She has studieddesign and tailoring and will create something just for you. She can make yourWedding dress and the Groom’s outfit too! Tel: 07939 451333