Quote of the Day: While comedy is fragile, Gilbert’s story is surprisingly flexible and resilient. Not many changes were required for this re-setting of the work. Most of the changes we’ve made are actually the kind in which Gilbert indulged: nods to current events, prominent figures, and regional idiosyncrasies. Joe Andrews, director of The McAdo for the Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company (GSVLOC) in Minnesota. With gratitude to the Gilbert and Sullivan Austin (Texas) company who graciously shared their reimagined version of the operetta, set in Scotland and retitled The McAdo from the original The Mikado.

This reimagined production sets The McAdo in Scotland, using the Scottish name as the title, and the title character. This lends itself to a beautiful setting as well as men in kilts and women in period dresses and outfits in a Renaissance style. (Set design by Wendy Waszut-Barrett, Costumes by Barb Portinga). “The List” song is especially relevant as they reference current cultural events and people. 

Maggie Benham as Wynn Somme, Sam Vinitsky as Coco, and Seth Tychon Steidl as Lanky Doug in The McAdo, GSVLOC production, thru 11/24/24. Photo: Stephen Hage

 

My sister Joy and I make a point of attending GSVLOC’s productions together. It is always highly entertaining and filled with excellent musicianship. The McAdo is their most lively and engaging production to date. We loved the changes, the Scottish setting and costumes, the accents, and the current cultural references, as well as the “on screen” selections for the show, very clever. Randal A. Buikema once again directs the full orchestra, live, but behind the stage. 

GSVLOC double cast the lead roles for The McAdo, giving the principal actors a chance to rest their voices on off-days or be able to alternate when they have two performances on some Saturdays. We saw the Gilbert Cast on Sunday with Seth Tychon Steidl as Lanky Doug, whose dreamy voice often makes him the romantic lead. Maggie Benham plays Wynn Somme, the woman he falls for, but alas, she is betrothed to Coco. The pair have fun interactions and a beautiful blend to their voices. Sam Vinitsky plays a whimsical and hilarious Coco, whom we thoroughly enjoyed. Jeff Erickson played Pischtusch, and Waldyn Benbenek played Pubagh, who has many great one-liners. Delaney Downs lends her lovely voice to Pretty Jean. Scottt Benson is The McAdo, and Lara Trujillo once again gets the colorful character, Katie Shaw, playing it like a witch who casts her spell. Really fun costuming and make-up on all of them! The entire cast look and sound great! 

Maggie Benham as Wynn Somme, Sam Vinitsky as Coco, and Seth Tychon Steidl as Lanky Doug in The McAdo, GSVLOC production, thru 11/24/24. Photo: Stephen Hage

You can see The McAdo at the Conn Fine Arts Center (in the Plymouth Congregational Church, free parking) through November 24, 2024. Go to the GSVLOC website for complete cast list for both the Gilbert cast and the Sullivan cast and for tickets and showtimes. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Do you have a favorite tradition with a family member or friend?