Co-Opera to Present THE MIKADO at Port Adelaide

Co-Opera's special style of opera comes to Port Adelaide. With its easy, breezy, BYO cabaret style; this rollicking Mikado visits Port Adelaide to welcome the Christmas season, bringing a new dimension to opera for the Port Adelaide community.

"The relaxed informality of Co-Opera's style presented in a BYO Cabaret provides an attractive opportunity to experience opera in a non-threatening environment which is far away from the elitism so commonly associated with the art form.

"Nothing could be more enticing for a relaxed pre-Christmas social gathering than to bring a party of friends together to Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado and the casual atmosphere of its BYO cabaret style evening. It's a very different opera experience, far more fun and accessible" said Co-Opera Director Brian Chatterton.

The same brilliant cast, orchestra and director that successfully toured Australia earlier this year, will now perform Gilbert and Sullivan's best loved operetta in the Port.

Mayor Gary Johanson: "We are extremely excited to have Co-Opera's production of The Mikado come to the Port. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity for our community to experience opera, in a relaxed cabaret-style, in the beautiful and unique setting of Hart's Mill.

"The performances will also have the valuable flow-on benefit of funding Co-Opera workshops in Port Adelaide.

"The City of PAE's City Plan 2030 prioritises Community and Placemaking and the Council is proud to support artistic events such as this, to promote arts tourism, as well as social interaction within our region. The Council has been pleased to partner with Renewal SA to bring The Mikado to the Port.

"Proceeds of the Mikado performances will be devoted to free Co-Opera Workshops presented next April for residents of the Port AdelaideEnfield Council area."

The Mikado Cast and Orchestra

From left to right: Bethany Hill, Daniel Smerdon, Monique Watson and Sidonie Henbest.
(Photograph: Paul Butler)
The orchestra is drawn from the ranks of the Royal Commonwealth Society Ensemble, directed by Brian Chatterton. The cast, features many well-known names in South Australian music theatre, joined by some very promising, rising talent, ably directed by Richard Trevaskis of G&S fame.

Two casts share roles, with the exception of pivotal characters: The Mikado, Ko-Ko and Pooh-Bah are performed by: Daniel Smerdon, Rod Schultz and Eddie Muliau respectively in all performances. With Eddie and Daniel, who are based interstate, returning to Adelaide for these performances: "Wouldn't miss it for the world", they said.

Cast List for Port Adelaide Mikado:
Daniel Smerdon: The Mikado; James Nicholson: Nanki-Poo;
Zachery McCulloch: Nanki-Poo; Rod Schultz: Ko-Ko; Eddie Muliau: Pooh-Bah;
James Moffat: Pish-Tush; McIntyre Howie Reeves: Pish-Tush;
Grace Bawden: Yum-Yum; Sarah Jane Pattichis: Yum-Yum;
Bethany Hill: Pitti-Sing; Karina Jay: Peep Bo; Monique Watson - Peep Bo;
Sidonie Henbest - Katisha; and Jodie O'Regan: Katisha.

The Orchestra: Anna Coleman Clarinet; Johanna Ng Violin 2;
Rita Reichbart Viola; Joseph Freer Cello; Linda Pirie Flute;
Amanda Home Clarinet; Matthew Holzinger Bassoon; Lester Wong Violin;
and Andrew Wiering Percussion.

The Mikado
9 and 11 December 2016
6.30pm for 7.30pm Start
At
The Flour Shed, Harts Mill Complex
Mundy Street, Port Adelaide

Tickets: $40, Concession and 10+ $30, Students under 26 years $15.
Cabaret Style Seating BYO refreshments and nibbles
Advance Bookings online only: www.co-opera.com.au
Telephone enquiries: Ring Bev on 8270 8085

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