North Bay Stage Company to Stage THE MIKADO This Summer

Running July 22nd through Aug 7th: "The Mikado is absolutely timeless," says John DeGaetano, artistic director for North Bay Stage Company, resident theater company of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa.

"Its captivating melodies, hilarious lyrics and dialogue - engaging as they are - expose the tawdry political environment of a fictionalized island nation and at the same time presents an incredible insight on the current political scene in our world today."

The evening will boast the talents of many fine singers and musicians from across the Bay Area region including - Sarita Cannon, John Cassidy, David Dodd, Kathleen Escudé, Taylor Greigo, Sherri Guinn, Ross Hagee, Kelly Hitman, Andrea Holland, Whitney Lawson, Steffenie Luekens, Paul Mackinnon, Jack McEnhill, Heather McFadden, Paul Menconi, Bret Palmer, Jon Rathjen, Frances Rennie, David Ruggiero, Jeffrey Schmidt, Rachel Steiner, David Strock, and Rebecca West. Directed by John DeGaetano and assistant directed by Chloe King, the orchestra will be led by musical director Les Pfutzenreuter.

This rollicking version of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular tale relocates the action from ancient Japan to an imaginary 1930s-styled Pacific seaside resort society. The Mikado follows the story of a wandering minstrel who happens to be the son of the Mikado, the emperor of the island nation. When he falls for a girl who is already engaged, deals are struck and hilarity ensues in this light-hearted production penned by master satirists W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. The 19th-century composing duo also created such operatic classics as "The Pirates of Penzance" and "H.M.S. Pinafore," among many others.

General admission is $32. For tickets, in person visit the LBC box office - daily, noon to 6pm, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa or by phone: 707-546-3600 (daily noon to 6pm) or online: lutherburbankcenter.org. The evening will also highlight a special expanded food and drink menu featuring exotic tastes from around the world. The production is set in cabaret-style table seating which will allow the audience to be set in the action throughout. Doors open 45 minutes before the show for table seating, food and drink menu.

NBSC produces an assortment of events including, comedies, dramas, musicals, and education designed to encourage growth in performing arts. Their goal as a non-profit and resident company is to reach out to the community to give everyone an opportunity to perform, in addition to creating various performance styles & experiences for regional theatergoers. For questions or more information about North Bay Stage Company, auditions, etc - contact them by email at info@northbaystageco.org.