Just in time for spring break, First Coast Opera will stage Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Mikado” on March 20-21 in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Find details and tickets at firstcoastopera.com or call 904-417-5555.
This timeless comedy features Sir William Gilbert’s not-so-subtle lyrics and dialogue poking fun at England’s politics with some 2026 updates, while Sir Arthur Sullivan provides one hummable tune after another.
Nelson Sheeley returns to direct with longtime company baritone Sean Stork leading the FCO Orchestra in his conducting debut.
Guest artist Angela Christine Smith, playing Katisha, is recognized as one of the nation’s most celebrated interpreters of Gilbert & Sullivan. She is a principal contralto with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, the country’s pre-eminent professional G&S repertory company. Smith has performed across the United States and internationally in England and Canada. She has completed the entire G&S canon, having performed in all 13 of the duo’s surviving operettas.
Mainstage newcomers Rachel Querreveld as Yum-Yum, Angela Christine Smith as Katisha, John Tibbetts as Pish-Tush and Victoria Isernia as Pitti-Sing, will perform with returning artists Jason Whitfield as The Mikado, Fran Daniel Laucerica as Nanki-Poo, Curtis Tucker as Ko-Ko, Anthony Offerle as Pooh-Bah, and Katherine Kincaid as Peep-Bo. The FCO Chorus will also be featured in this topsy-turvy favorite.
Performed in English, “The Mikado” will be accompanied by the First Coast Opera Orchestra.
“After our surprisingly cold winter, ‘The Mikado’ is a perfect heart warmer and springtime entertainment. It’s also the perfect introduction to light opera for all ages,” said Curtis Tucker, artistic director of First Coast Opera.
Tickets and details are available at firstcoastopera.com or by calling the box office at 904-417-5555.
First Coast Opera events are sponsored in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council.
