The Entrance of the Mikado from The Mikado by Gilbert & Sullivan, adapted for young performers by Bartlett-Billings -Leehy-O'Mara Click here for more information or to purchase The Mikado was written by Gilbert & Sullivan in 1885 and remains one of their most popular comic musicals. It is set in Feudal Japan and parodies the usual G & S targets of royalty, bureaucracy, and operatic heroism. Here is our adaptation of the 'Entrance of the Mikado'. It is the only piece in the show with Japanese lyrics and, as such, is an interesting challenge for students. It is also an excellent performance piece in its own right. THE ENTRANCE OF THE MIKADO Click on the play (>) button to listen. To download the track, right click on this link Select "Save target as" or similar. Download the resources for this activity The Lyrics in pdf format The mp3 of the vocals from the CD The piece begins with a regal introduction by the orchestra. This can be choreographed to get the performers onstage. Students can listen, get a feel for the structure of the music and suggest movements and actions. These can be tried out, evaluated, modified etc. Students can decide whether they enter from one side or from both. They can explore ways of moving in time to the music and decide on a march or set of actions that can be performed together. Then there is a short, sung verse. After this, the instrumental introduction is repeated. The students can choreograph appropriate actions or movements. Now the short, sung verse is repeated. Students can decide on a 'finishing pose'. Work with movement and action first. When the students are comfortable with their choreography, they will have heard the song several times and moved to the whole piece. Now they will be ready to try the lyric. It is always a good idea to teach the song through the body and let the students get familiar with it physically before attempting to teach the words and melody.