This comic two-act opera by Gilbert & Sullivan follows the son of the Mikado (the emperor of Japan), disguised as a wandering minstrel as he woos his beloved and attempts to evade both of their would-be spouses.
This convoluted plot and delightfully clever score make for a hilarious criticism of the 19th century British elite. Gilbert & Sullivan wrote The Mikado in 1885 when England was experiencing a craze for all things Japanese as a result of the opening of trade with Japan. Gilbert & Sullivan looked to the East in writing this biting satire of Victorian England and used Japanese characters to represent the British Monarchy’s scions of society. Although the opera takes place in Japan, it is not an accurate portrayal of the country, and is a current point of controversy due to it’s traditional use of yellowface.
Opera companies across the United States have responded with a variety of approaches to address the issue of cultural insensitivity, and VLOC is among them. VLOC has chosen to reconceptualize the piece, changing its locale and time and refitting its trenchant critique of Victorian England. After much research, reading, and outreach to scholars and performers on the issue, director Helen Aberger adapted the work similar to Jonathan Miller’s 1986 English National Opera production. VLOC’s Mikado takes place in 1920s London at the Hotel Titipu Japan.
Tickets may be purchased through the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or online HERE. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, 2pm - 7pm.
Adults: $28
Seniors: $24
Students: $20
All tickets for opening night, June 9th, are just $14.
Phone: 301-576-5672
Email: victorianlyricopera@gmail.com
2017/06/09 - 2017/06/18
Additional time info:
There will be a free pre-show lecture in the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre social hall before the June 10th performance. The June 11th performance will be a community outreach matinee, featuring backstage tours and family activities starting at 12:45pm in the lobby.
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD 20851
There are two, large, FREE, lots located at the Civic Center. You may park in the lot behind the theatre, or in the lot between the theatre and Glenview Mansion.