Light opera scored for South production
by Brian Abrams and Derrick Ayres, Reporters

    Originally performed in May 1885, The Mikado was written by the famous English playwrights W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and arguably the most popular operetta in history.
    Having been performed in several theaters internationally (and even the main subject of the movie Topsy-Turvy), South Campus' drama department and opera workshop will stage their version this week.
    In The Mikado, Nanki-Poo, played by Daniel Starks, son of the Mikado in Japan, leaves the imperial court to escape a fixed marriage.
    While traveling incognito as a musician, Nanki-Poo falls in love with Yum-Yum, portrayed by Andrea Talladino.
    However, Yum-Yum already has ties with the town tailor, Ko-Ko, played by Scott Hardgrove.
    Upon his exile, however, Nanki-Poo learns that Ko-Ko has been sentenced to death for the crime of flirting.
    Inspired, Nanki-Poo returns to Titipu, only to learn that executions have been halted, and not only has Ko-Ko been reprieved, he has been promoted to the position of Lord High Executioner.
    Directors Patty McCormick and Darlene Marks are excited with the selection of this classic opera.
    "This is the first time in a long while for the drama department and the music department to collaborate," Marks said.
    "Patty and I felt that The Mikado would be a really compatible show. Gilbert and Sullivan is very light and definitely doable for a college play," she said.
    McCormick cast more than 25 students for the production, one of whom, Gary Payne, felt pressured into the role of Poo-Bah.
    Payne has been performing professionally in local productions; he signed up to take opera workshop this semester for more training.
    "I've known Patty for years, I've known Darlene for years. Darlene conned me-I mean talked me-into doing it," he said.
    "Musical auditions scare the heck out of me, and I am trying to work past that. But I'm a theater slut; I'll work at any theater that will cast me," he said.
    Chris Randle, South Campus student, studies theater for his third semester and later plans to head out to Los Angeles, where he and a friend will pursue careers in the movies.
    Randle plays the character Pish-Tush. Now very grateful for his experience at TCC, Randle had a rocky beginning with McCormick one year ago.
    "Ms. McCormick is a very good director. My first time meeting her was in Acting I, and we didn't mesh that well at first because I'm really goofy," he said.
    "She was always saying, 'Class, don't mind Chris. He just lacks attention,' " he said. "When you meet different people and different directors and different teachers, you learn what you can do and what you cannot do," he said.
    "I like Ms. McCormick now, but I have to remember that she doesn't like a lot of mess," he said.
    Monica Boldt, playing the part of Pitti-Sing, is now finishing her last show in her fourth semester on South Campus.
    Boldt will attend Texas Christian University to study vocal performance in the fall and has learned a great deal from Marks.
    "She [Marks] really emphasized the importance of enjoying the music," she said.
    "Practice, you have to love it; and if you really want it, you have to work hard at it. It's the only way to get better," she said.
    David Sowten, who performs in the chorus, prefers the commute to South for his one drama class versus participating in productions on the NW Campus, where he attends for his other coursework.
    "I like the director on South Campus, and I like the group, so I decided to stay here. This is my second play," he said.
    "Darlene and Patty have a lot of confidence in my voice, and they think I have a lot of potential. And I really appreciate that," he said.
    The Mikado is playing April 23-26 at 8 p.m. with two matinees April 24 and 26 at 2 p.m.
    Admission is free for TCC students, faculty and staff, $5 for general public and $3 for all seniors, children and other students, The directors recommend that one reserve seats in advance, by calling 817-515-4642.
    The show has been approved for all ages.