Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with John Wilkerson, Artistic Director at the Artisan Center Theater in Hurst. I am pleased to announce I have accepted the role of Nanki-Poo in his upcoming production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, running September 4 through October 10, 2009.
Widely agreed to be Gilbert and Sullivan’s masterpiece, The Mikado is said to be the most popular operetta ever written. Mr. Wilkerson directed My Fair Lady at the Artisan earlier this year, toured with the Three Redneck Tenors, and was recently featured on America’s Got Talent. He owns and operates the Musical Theater Institute of Dallas, a private vocal and acting academy, with his wife, Margaret Shafer.
I attended my first rehearsal on Saturday which went exceedingly well. We got along great and there are many talented people working in this production, including my lovely wife, Arlette Morgan. The show is double-cast so I got to meet my doppelganger who was gracious enough to help me get up to speed. A lot of work ahead of us but I’m looking forward to being a part of what promises to be a fantastic show.
Brad Stephens 