Characters and Vocal Parts for The Mikado
Published: January 15, 2026
Not sure who to audition for?
Here are some brief descriptions!
No Particular order - any questions - feel free to ask!
Hope to see you at auditions!
amandalobaugh@aol.com
The Mikado of Japan: The emperor of Japan and the father of Nanki-Poo, An absolute autocrat in every sense - his word is law and must be obeyed. (bass/baritone)
Nanki-Poo: The son of the Mikado, Nanki-Poo has fled the royal court because his father has promised him in marriage to Katisha. Nanki-Poo, however, loves Yum-Yum and has gone in search for her, disguised as a wandering minstrel. - A strong young man determined not to be forced into something against his will. (tenor)
Ko-Ko: The lord high executioner of Titipu , Ko-Ko was a cheap tailor who had been sentenced to death for flirting, until he was raised to his high position through “remarkable circumstances.” He enjoys being the center of attention. He is also engaged to marry Yum-Yum, even though she doesn’t love him. - (comic baritone)
Pooh-Bah: The lord high everything else, Haughty and somewhat rude, Pooh-Bah gained his position by being the only one of the town officials not too proud to rule under Ko-Ko, an ex-tailor. He is an absolute chauvinist, and women un-nerve him completely - (bass/baritone)
Pish-Tush: A noble lord of Titipu. He shows sense and to that end is perceived to be trying to keep matters under control (baritone)
Yum-Yum: A ward of Ko-Ko and sister of Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo, Yum-Yum is in love with Nanki-Poo, even though she is betrothed to Ko-Ko, whom she doesn’t love. ) A little bit naïve, she has a limited knowledge of the world- She believes that she is ‘the most beautiful girl in the world’ because she has nothing to judge this by, and no-one has ever told her otherwise. (soprano)
Pitti-Sing: A ward of Ko-Ko and sister of Yum-Yum and Peep-Bo. - She is the best friend of Yum-Yum and easily supplies the sense that Yum-Yum lacks. She is not afraid to speak out (mezzo-soprano)
Peep-Bo: A ward of Ko-Ko and sister of Yum-Yum and Pitti-Sing. A sidekick to Yum-Yum, often giving her advice and consoling-she tells it like it is - no sugar coating. (mezzo-soprano)
Katisha: An elderly lady of the Mikado’s court, Kathisha is in love with Nanki-Poo and has been promised to him by the Mikado. However, Nanki-Poo does not return her love. A bit of a domineering woman out for revenge at being ignored by Nanki-Poo (contralto)
« View All News