The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts’ “Hot Mikado” brings a jazzy tune to the classic Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” the self-deprecating musical satire of British politics.

While some, including myself, may be unversed in the British politics that inspired the original production, a satire set in a fictional, vaguely Japanese country called Titi-Pu, “Hot Mikado,” directed by Valerie Rachelle, is enjoyable enough for its dark, clever humor, which uses sharp lyrics and flamboyant choreography to mock musical comedy clich/s and the absurdity of human behavior.

Michael Jenkinson as Nanki Poo, the passionate young musician who is in love with the young ward of the Lord High Executioner, Ko-Ko (Brad Carroll), charmed me from the beginning with his honeyed, carrying voice, even as his sugar-sweet “A Wand’ring Minstrel I” makes fun of the idealistic hero stereotype.

Flirting has been made a capital offense by The Mikado (Billy Breed). The townspeople appointed Ko-Ko, an ex-tailor who has been condemned to death for flirting, to the position so no executions could take place — he’d have to behead himself before executing anyone else. For the life of him, Ko-Ko has never killed a fly, let alone a person.

Corey Jones once again gets, and deserves, a considerable share of the limelight as Poo Bah, The Lord High Everything Else, who took on the job responsibilities and salaries of everyone other than the executioner because everyone else was too proud to work under Ko-Ko.

Yum Yum, (Kiera O’Neil) the ward who is trapped in an engagement to the clumsy Ko-Ko, is an innocent, beautiful girl who can barely bring herself to kiss Ko-Ko on the cheek, let alone marry him. Somehow, Ko-Ko subtly worms his way into the audience’s good graces, even though he selfishly wants to keep Yum Yum from her true love.

Another character standing in the way of the couple’s lovestruck bliss is Katisha (Julianna Jaffe), an older woman who has the hots for Nanki Poo and is determined to have him despite his emphatic resistance.

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The face-off between her and Yum Yum’s sister Pitti Sing (Bree Murphy) places the modern cat-fight into the innocent universe of musical comed. Murphy’s and Jaffe’s strong voices are at the head of “”For He’s Gonna Marry Yum-Yum” and “The Hour of Gladness,” leading the cast in a rousing, gospel-flavored production.

Jaffe also shines in her solo, “Alone and Yet Alive.”

Costume designer Frederick Deeben and his staff did a great job on the costumes. Katisha’s orange-and-black feather boa, red silk dress, cape and sun-shaped headdress are as gaudy as her romantic advances towards a few leading male characters. Yum Yum and her sisters, Pitti Sing and Peep Bo (played by Bree Murphy and Christine Nelson), have spiral curls that look like they’ve required considerable effort on the part of makeup staff, and the men’s zoot suits are very snappy.

The set also deserves a mention. A Japanese-style structure looms above, bordered by hot pink, yellow and green flowers reminiscent of the 1960s. A silver metallic curtain hangs at the back of the stage.

The cast pulls off challenging choreography directed by Jenkinson, including a tap-dance solo by The Mikado, and add individual flair to their characters. “Hot Mikado” is a competently performed, well-put-together take on an irreverent, colorful show.

BOX OFFICE:

IN SANTA MARIA: “Hot Mikado” plays through Sunday at the Marian Theatre in Santa Maria. Performances are 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Marian Theatre is at 800 S. College Dr. in Santa Maria.

IN SOLVANG: The shows runs at the Festival Theater in Solvang from Sept. 12 to 28. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Festival Theater is at 420 2nd St. in Solvang.

Ticket prices range from $16.25 to $30.50 for adults, with discounts for children, students and seniors. Order tickets by calling 922-8313 from 1 to 7 p.m. daily, or online at www.pcpa.org. For information, visit www.pcpa.org.

Bettina Adragna can be reached at 739-2220 or at badragna@santa maria times.com.