The Mikado

The jewel in the crown of the long collaboration between W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, The Mikado has been wowing musical-theater audiences for 118 years. Its take on Japanese culture lacks a certain amount of authenticity, perhaps, but pointing out that Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko, and Yum-Yum aren’t real Japanese names would be missing the point of this most deliberately silly and delightful work. If you only know the play through Mike Leigh’s movie Topsy-Turvy, make the time to check out TRP’s staging. Those of you who’d like to see greater governmental involvement in the arts will be pleased to hear that the lead role of unwilling executioner Ko-Ko is played by Minneapolis City Council Member Scott Benson, who’s done the role previously with the local Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Company. Theater in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., (612) 333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org