New Albany High School to perform ‘The Mikado’

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

May 14, 2009 01:50 pm

— Like a drill instructor getting troops ready for combat, New Albany High School choir director Linda DeRungs was all business following a recent rehearsal of “The Mikado.”
She was giving directions, making suggestions to her cast of 75 high school choral students and delivering a pep talk that held the attention of the entire theater.
“Mrs. D is really intense all the time,” said junior Taylor Nicholson, who plays the role of Ko-Ko in the Japanese-set operetta. “She makes it fun. It’s crazy; it’s different than any show I have ever done.”
That’s why DeRungs said she has to motivate and hold the attention of her cast. The Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is difficult to pull off — especially for teenagers who are in the final days of the school year. Their attention span, DeRungs admits, is sometimes elsewhere during rehearsals.
“I keep telling them they can be extraordinary if they choose to be extraordinary,” she said.
DeRungs decided last September she wanted to perform “The Mikado” to celebrate her 25th year at New Albany High School. The show will be performed in the school’s auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
For many of the choral students, this is their first time on stage. Others, however, have been in numerous theater productions at the school. The combination could be great, according to DeRungs.
“I knew I had the talent this year to pull this off,” she said.
“The Mikado” was performed at the school 100 years ago. And it is one of DeRungs’ favorites. She received research funding from the Eli Lilly Foundation to study Gilbert and Sullivan in London, and has prepared abridged editions of several Gilbert and Sullivan works for high schools.
The New Albany production of “The Mikado” will be the full-length, fully staged version of the 1885 operetta, which enjoyed the longest London run of any of Gilbert and Sullivan’s creations.
DeRungs said she has been putting in 18-hour days in the last three weeks to prepare for the production. She has designed the set, helped put together 75 costumes, directed the orchestra and supervised the stage direction.
“My husband encouraged me to tie it into my 25th year. He told me I should make a big deal out of it,” she said. “It’s a huge challenge for a high school to pull off, but these kids have the talent to do it.”
Cast members agree the operetta is a challenge, but said it’s been a lot of fun.
“It’s a lot more intense than the other shows,” said junior Colleen McGuirk, who plays the role of Yum-Yum and also performs in theater shows at the school. “It’s over the top and I think they [people] will enjoy it.”
Two other theater veterans, Hanna Lohmeyer and Sydney Magers, said the show is different than any other they have performed.
“This has been fun,” Lohmeyer said. “It’s a different style than we are use to. [DeRungs] is really passionate about this show.”
“She has been in ‘The Mikado’ several times,” said Magers. “It’s really important for us to do a good job. I don’t think it would be a waste of anyone’s money.”
This will be the first time senior Eli Raines, who will play the role of “The Mikado” has been on stage. He is usually in the pit, playing with the orchestra. But he said he is enjoying the acting experience.
“It’s fun; it’s a lot different,” he said. “I’m probably more nervous.”
Freshman Caleb Fath will play the role of Nanki-Poo, while Lohmeyer will play Katisha. Hunter Hartman will play Pish-Tush, while Sarah Nale and Magers will perform the roles of Peep-Bo and Pitti-Sing, respectively.
DeRungs said the operetta is a “total comedy” and said tryouts began in February. She said “The Mikado” will serve as the choirs’ spring project.
“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “But it’s something I love, and I feel like we can pull it off.”

IF YOU GO
• New Albany High School’s choral department will perform “The Mikado” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or reservations can be made by calling 812-981-7648.