The Mikado

In a mythical Japan KoKo a cheap tailor has been appointed Lord High Executioner and must find someone to execute before the arrival of the ruling Mikado He lights upon NankiPoo a strolling minstrel who loves the beautiful YumYum But YumYum is also loved by KoKo and NankiPoo seeing no hope for his love considers suicide KoKo offers to solve both their problems by executing NankiPoo and an agreement is reached whereby KoKo will allow NankiPoo to marry YumYum for one month at the end of which NankiPoo will be executed in time for the arrival of the Mikado But what KoKo doesnt know is that NankiPoo is the son of the Mikado and has run away to avoid a betrothal to an old harridan named Katisha The arrival of the Mikado brings all the threads of the tale together This is the Stratford Festival of Canada directed by Brian Macdonald This is a filmed version of a stage performance and the sets are beautifully spare and economical