The McAdo

A comic operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan
Directed by Sean Anderson
Music Direction by Winnifred Hume

Presented at the Pumphouse Theatre
April 25 – May 10, 2025

It’s the show you love, in a brand new setting! The Mikado has been moved to the highlands of Scotland and becomes The McAdo.

The McAdo, or “The Town of Ballydew”, a refreshing take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, featuring all the music and dialogue you know and love, but with a wee Scottish twist… This new production relocates the beloved comic opera from Japan to a fictional clan in the Scottish Highlands, where warriors and clansfolk combat love, death and obscure laws. With joyous songs, Scottish dances and Highland-inspired dress, this is The Mikado as you’ve never seen it before.

In this adaptation by Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, Gilbert’s libretto and Sullivan’s score has been kept virtually intact, while the costumes will reflect the Scottish moors. It’s a farcical tale of a wand’ring minstrel, a cowardly executioner, an iron-fisted ruler, and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre!

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

The McAdo (Bass) Head of Clan McAdo
A fearsome warrior in his day, tales of the McAdo carry far and wide. As head of the clan he is arbiter of law and order and is prepared to enforce all laws – however ridiculous. Father of Nanky Doug.

Nanky Doug (Tenor) His son, disguised as a wandering minstrel and in love with Wynn Somme
Our modest hero, or so it would seem. He spurned his warrior lineage and subsequent arranged marriage to pursue love and beauty.

CoCo (Baritone) Lord High Executioner of Ballydew
Wily, witty and likely to wriggle out of anything. Coco used the clan’s peculiar laws to his advantage, securing himself a comfortable position and a bride-to-be in the face of death. The once meek tailor must display, humour, cunning and desperation throughout.

Pubagh (Bass Baritone) Lord High Everything Else
Pubagh has his finger in every pie. Gallus, greedy and quite possibly full of guff. he’s happy to talk if you’re happy to listen…and possibly even if you aren’t.

Pischtusch (Baritone) a Noble Lord
Gossipy but never snide, Pischtusch knows what’s going on, who fancies who and who cooked haggis two towns over. Looks on the bright side, a foil to the dour Pubagh.

Wynn Somme (Soprano) In love with Nanky Doug, One of the three sisters.
Wynn Somme is indeed beautiful, but she’s more than that. Self-aware and prone to self-preservation, Wynn Somme loves Nanky Doug, but is not blind to the harsh reality of life.

Pretty Jean (Mezzo / Alto) One of the three sisters.
Sister and friend to Wynn Somme. Opportunistic, funny and brave with some fantastic material.

Wee Jo (Mezzo) One of the three sisters.
She doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut. The friend who always says the wrong thing, but has a good heart, so you forgive them.

Katishagh (Alto) as Elderly Lady, in love with Nanky Doug
A powerful warrior in her own right, Katishagh impressed the McAdo with her tenacity and earned Nanky Doug’s hand in marriage. She has made it in a man’s world, yet love still eludes her.

Chorus of School girls, Nobles, Guards and Scotsmen

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions for The McAdo will take place In-person in ten minute time-slots
• Please prepare a song (approximately 2 minutes long) in any style that best shows off your voice. No matter what style of music you choose to sing bring your best character performance to your audition song!
• Bring your music on your phone, or email in advance to info@morpheustheatre.ca; There will be no accompanist.
• You may be asked for a cold read.
• Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.
• Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback to read, sing, and dance with other performers.

Morpheus Theatre encourages individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities to audition. Not a traditional actor?  That is okay, get in touch with us and we will find a way for you to showcase what you have to offer.