The Hot Mikado (1939 production)

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The Hot Mikado was a 1939 adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. Michael Todd originally produced it after the Federal Theatre Project turned down his offer to manage the WPA production of The Swing Mikado (another all-black adaptation of The Mikado). The music was arranged by Charles L. Cooke, and the production was directed by Hassard Short. Choreography was by Truly McGee. The show was produced at the 1939–1940 New York World's Fair and was reportedly one of the most popular attractions at the fair.

The Hot Mikado was jazzier than its rival and had a full-voiced, star-studded cast to back up its sass. It follows both the story line of The Mikado and the spectacle of the original. The Hot Mikado was noted for its wild costuming. "Rosa Brown's outfit, a winged dress with train and a gigantic hat, weighed thirty-five pounds." (Mordden, p.240). The spectacle and jazzed-up score attracted a crowd that made The Swing Mikado seem like "chicken feed." It ran for 85 performances at the Broadhurst Theatre from March–June 1939.

The opening night cast included Bill "Bojangles" Robinson as The Mikado; Frances Brock as Pitti-Sing; Rosa Brown as Katisha; Maurice Ellis as Pooh-Bah; Eddie Green as Ko-Ko; Rosetta LeNoire as Peep-Bo; James A. Lilliard as Pish-Tush; Bob Parrish as Nanki-Poo; Gwendolyn Reyde as Yum-Yum; Freddie Robinson as Messenger Boy; and Vincent Shields as Red Cap.

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