The Toronto Operetta Theatre Presents Gilbert and Sullivan's THE MIKADO, Now thru 1/4

The Toronto Operetta Theatre's 30th Season continues with a holiday production of Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved masterpiece, THE MIKADO. The performances will be at theSt. Lawrence Centre today, December 27, 28 (mat), 31 (New Year's Eve Gala), 2014 and January 2, 3, 4, (mat),2015. Evening performances are at 8 pm and matinees are at 2pm. Derek Bate leads a stellar cast, chorus and orchestra with stage direction by TOT General Director, Guillermo Silva-Marin.

Theatrical legend has it that the plot of THE MIKADO is the result of a giant samurai sword falling from the wall of Gilbert's study. True or not, the book and lyrics are his most inspired creation and Sullivan responded with his most brilliant score. At once Japanese and British, the combined effect is without parallel in their 14 collaborations. Gilbert took jabs at the foibles of politicians, romantics and the social elite while all are bound up by Sullivan in melodies that have burned themselves into the consciousness of operetta fans the world over. 'A Wandring Minstrel', 'I've got a little list', 'The Moon and I', 'Three Little Maids' and 'Here's a Howdy Do' are just the tip of the musical iceberg that is THE MIKADO!

"Gilbert and Sullivan's world of music and text needs singer/actors of extraordinary talent and I'm pleased we've been able to assemble a cast with a talent for both," said Silva-Marin. Toronto Operetta Theatre champions totally Canadian artists and features both emerging and established singers. Lucia Cesaroni - in last season's THE COUISIN FROM NOWHERE - will be heard as the delectable Yum Yum, beloved of Nanki Poo, played by debuting tenor Adrian Kramer. Joseph Angelo takes the plum role of KoKo, the beleaguered Lord High Executioner, afraid of killing even a fly. Poo Bah, the Lord High Everything Else is in the hands of the droll David Ludwig. Mia Lennox will be Katisha, the formidable Daughter in Law Elect of the Mikado of Japan, played byGiles Tomkins in his TOT debut. Rounding out the cast are Gregory Finney and Domenico Sanfilippo asPish Tush, Brittany King as Pitti Sing and Daria Bukhman and Kaili Kinnon as Peep Bo.

Don't miss TOT's NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA DINNER AND PARTY, Wednesday, December 31, 2014. Begin the evening with dinner at your reserved table at the HOTHOUSE RESTAURANT AND BAR followed by THE MIKADO. Top the evening with dancing, dessert and champagne at midnight!

Gala Packages available at great savings.

Call the TOT office for more detail: 416-922-2912

To reserve tickets: Box Office 416-366-7723 or www.stlc.com

The Toronto Operetta Theatre is generously supported by the Jackman Foundation, the Bedolfe Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council, and supporters who wish to remain anonymous. Media sponsorship is by Deutsche Presse. TOT is also indebted to HotHouse Restaurant and Bar, and Classical 96.3 FM. All performances are at the St. Lawrence Centre's splendidly refurbished Jane Mallett Theatre, which is wheelchair accessible and close to public parking and transit. For tickets and information call the Box Office at 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754 or online at www.stlc.com. Group rates for 20 or more.

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