THEATER

Gilbert and Sullivan undergo a steamy makeover in a new Skylight production

Skylight cranks up the heat this season.

CULTURES COLLIDE amidst ill-fated lovers’ quarrels and power struggles in Hot Mikado, playing at the Skylight’s Cabot Theatre through October 15. A modern retelling of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic The Mikado (1885), Hot Mikado (1986) incorporates swing, gospel, blues and jazz into its catchy score.

Grammy-winning singer Jamecia Bennett – who has previously recorded with Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson and Usher – joins the cast, performing many of the musical’s most toe-tapping songs.

Director Austene Van is eager to bring the show to the Skylight stage for the first time. “I think audiences will be thrilled by this updated version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic masterpiece,” she says. “It remains true to the wonderful G and S music but takes a fresh approach to address some of the outdated dialogue and stereotyping that makes audiences wince.”

Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased in person at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office (158 N. Broadway), or by calling 414-291-7800.