Hot Mikado ready to Sizzle

After twelve gruelling weeks of rehearsals the "Hot Mikado" opens on next Tuesday March 31 in the Clara GAA Centre for what promises to be a very popular run of five nights. This society has a reputation for innovative, entertaining productions of a high standard that would give any professional company a run for their money. East meets west head-on in this hilarious 1940"s-style updating of the perennial Gilbert and Sullivan classic. With the music transmuted into blues, Cab Calloway swing, hot gospel, scorching torch songs and "Three Little Maids" turned into an Andrew Sisters" show-stopper, this zoot-suited, tap-dancing colourful show is certain to provide the ideal evening out for the whole family. The production team of Musical director Alan Recks, Director Rufina Recks and new to the team this year choreographer Joanna Daly have been putting the cast trough their paces. As usual a full seven piece orchestra will accompany the cast as they sing their way through such Gilbert and Sullivan classics as "Three Little Maids", "A Wandering Minstrel", "Tit Willow", "The Sun and I" and many more. Last years award winning stage manager Damien Cornally and his crew are assembling the large set. Once again a large, familiar and talented cast of forty have assembled from all over the midlands and Clara to entertain. Malcolm Whelan from Athlone takes on the lead of Nanki Poo who comes in search of his love Yum Yum played by Sinead Donoghue (who played the lead in last years "Singin" in the Rain"). However as is usual in Musical comedy there is a catch, Yum Yum is engaged to the local executioner Ko Ko played by Eoin Croffy (Ballinasloe). Well between Ko Ko and his sidekick Pooh Bah (played by Paul Norton) all hell breaks loose when the Mikado (played by Wayne Handy) enquires as to why no execution has taken place for over a year and demands a beheading. The Mikado and Katisha, (played by Karen Martin) who fancies Ko Ko arrive at the village to check whether the orders have been carried out, it could all end in a blood bath or happily ever after, who knows? Who even cares? But it will be funny and have plenty of twists and turns with some toe tapping music thrown in. Many other local talents play other roles including Amanda Cunningham (Pitti Sing), Ultan Keena (Pish Tush) and last years award winning comedienne Louise McEvoy (Peep Bo) to mention just a few. The curtain goes up at 8pm nightly and admission is only €10 on the Tuesday and Wednesday nights or €15 all other nights. Booking is at 087 9366247 or at www.clarams.com. So with all the talk of recession on the television why not escape with the family for a night and enjoy some live local theatre.