The Mikado Synopsis

Setting:

          The Town of Titipu

ACT I:
          Nobles of Japan are gathered in the courtyard of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner of Titipu, when Nanki-Poo enters, introducing himself as a wandering performer, and inquires after Yum-Yum, Ko-Ko’s ward. Nanki-Poo is, in actuality, the son of the Mikado of Japan. He fled his father’s court to avoid marriage to the elderly Katisha, and is in love with Yum-Yum whom he wishes to marry. Nanki-Poo discovers from the nobles Pish-Tush and Pooh-Bah that Ko-Ko intends to marry his ward himself that very afternoon. Ko-Ko, who, though originally a tailor, became the Lord High Executioner of Titipu, after he was condemned to death for flirting, a capital crime as declared by the Mikado of Japan. By their reasoning, he could not execute anyone else until his execution was complete. Because of Ko-Ko’s low social standing, all officials other than Pooh-Bah refused to serve under him, and Pooh-Bah takes both the title Lord High Everything Else and the commensurate salary.

          Ko-Ko enters, followed shortly by Yum-Yum and her school friends Peep-Bo and Pitti-Sing, whose jovial behavior offends Pooh-Bah. All depart, leaving Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo together. He tells her of his love, and reveals both his true identity as the Heir Apparent and the reason for his disguise. They sorrowfully part ways after tenderly expressing love for one another. Shortly thereafter, Ko-Ko receives word from the Mikado that because no executions have been carried out, he will demote the town’s rank to village. Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah, and Pish-Tush all decline the beheading that would save their town’s honor in a rousing trio. Conveniently, Nanki-poo enters at that very moment, and Ko-Ko strikes a bargain with him: he will be permitted to marry Yum-Yum, but will face execution after one month. The town celebrates the upcoming marriage, only to be interrupted by Katisha searching for Nanki-Poo. The loud celebrations drown out her cries, and for the moment, the couple is happy.

ACT II:
          Yum-Yum and her friends are preparing her for the upcoming ceremony. She then reflects on her beauty. Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo enter, and remind her that her happiness will only be short-lived. Nanki-Poo appears and attempts to console her. Ko-Ko and Pooh-Bah interrupt them with the announcement that should a married man be beheaded, his wife must be buried alive. As beheading was a punishment only for flirting, the law had never been enacted, as married men never flirt. Ko-Ko does not have the heart to execute either party, and he sends the young couple away with the assurance that he will provide the Mikado with an affidavit that Nanki-Poo’s execution took place.

          Just then, the Mikado and Katisha arrive. Ko-Ko, Pitti-Sing, and Pooh-Bah provide a thrilling description of the execution. However, the Mikado came to Titipu to search for his son, who used the name “Nanki-Poo.” As Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah, and Pitti-Sing declare that he has left the town, Katisha discovers his name on the affidavit of beheading. The three face slow, agonizing deaths as punishment for the beheading of the Heir Apparent. Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum, now married, enter on their way to their honeymoon. Nanki-Poo refuses to “come back to life” unless Ko-Ko agrees to marry Katisha, thus ridding him of her advances, and, even more likely, her request that he be executed for marrying another. Ko-Ko then attempts to woo Katisha, who at first refuses him; however, after he sings to her, she accepts his proposal. She then begs the Mikado to be merciful to the persons responsible for Nanki-Poo’s “execution.” Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo rush in. A surprised Mikado forgives all death sentences, and all of Titipu celebrates in laughter and dance.