"The McAdo" by The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company at the Conn Theater

If you can't wait for new episodes of Outlander to begin on November 22, maybe you should go see The Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company's Scottish take on The Mikado. Granted, there aren't a whole lot of similarities between G&S and our favorite time-traveling romance, but there are plenty of kilts and questionable Scottish accents! There is also a bit of romance and danger and fighting, although in a much less dramatic way. Using an adaptation form Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, this McAdo (which is an actual Scottish name) very cleverly changes the setting from Japan to Scotland, with some modern references as well (additional "tinkering" by stage director Joe Andrews). And as always with GSVLOC, the huge cast and orchestra sound amazing bringing to life another G&S classic in a fun and fresh way. The McAdo continues through November 24 at The Conn Theater in Plymouth Congregational Church in South Minneapolis.

GSVLOC last performed The Mikado in 2019, using an adaptation by Theater Mu founder Rick Shiomi. This version follows the plot very closely, but with some name changes to make it more Scottish, as well as some Scottish references. In the fictional town of Ballydew (changed from Ti-Tea-Pu), the son of the clan chief (The McAdo) is disguised as a traveling musician (a second trombone). Lanky Doug (the affable Graham Remple, reminiscent of Jason Segel) is looking for his love, Wynn Somme (the spirited Mary Kettlewell). Sadly for the lovers, she is the ward and betrothed of the Grand High Executioner Coco (Brandt Roberts, hamming it up). Because of the complicated laws of the land (which include a mandatory punishment of beheading for the crime of flirting) and Lanky Doug's desire to die if he can't be with Wynn Somme, Coco grants them permission to marry for a month, after which time Lanky Doug will be executed and Wynn Somme can marry Coco as planned (do you follow?). This crazy plan is approved by Coco's right hand man Pubagh (Joe Allen, delighting in the multiple facets of this all-powerful man, from whom we get the term pooh-bah). The McAdo himself (Scott Gorman embodying the lovable grump) appears in the second act and plans must be changed. Coco woos Lanky Doug's previous betrothed Katie Shaw (a fierce Deb Haas) so that Lanky Doug can confess his true identity, marry the woman he loves, and not be executed (still following?). Yes, it's a silly and convoluted story, but it's great fun.*

Wynn Somme (Mary Kettlewall), Coco (Brandt Roberts),
and Lanky Doug (Graham Remple, photo courtesy of GSVLOC)

GSVLOC has two rotating casts, with the principals stepping back into the ensemble every other show and another set of principals stepping up. This seems like a great way for people to rest their voices on these vocals-heavy shows, as well as give more actors a chance in lead roles. In total, a cast too large to count (somewhere north of 30) fills out the village and the sound of the story. They're all great, performing in this broadly comedic tone, attempting and sometimes succeeding at a Scottish accent (the variety is part of the fun), and singing in gorgeous harmony. They're all dressed in Scottish attire, which means kilts and sporrans for the men, period dresses with tartan scarves for the women. The beautifully painted backdrop is lush and green, with the facade of an ancient stone building in the back (costume design by Barb Portinga, scenic design by Wendy Waszut-Barrett).

GSVLOC's resident Music Director Randal A. Buikema leads the huge off-stage orchestra, also numbering north of 30, for a full lush sound (and even some bagpipes!). The only thing that could make it better is if we could see them work their magic on this fast, clever, and melodic score.

The framework in which this show is presented is so clever and unexpected I almost don't want to spoil it here. Let's just say that the show opens on a screen with multiple streaming choices, one of which is "Rapture Plus," an all G&S network, and multiple choices of settings. It's a delight and a unique and fun way to set up a live performance in this streaming world. So turn off your TV (unless it's November 22 then definitely turn it on to watch Outlander), and go see this silly and entertaining "Scottish" opera.

*Plot summary adapted from previous my previous reviews of The Mikado.