The M.A.K.A.do: Make America Kingly Again!
The M.A.K.A.do: Make America Kingly Again! is IN Series’ comic, politically charged reworking of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. Set in a lavishly gilded Oval Office, this operatico-politico-buffo-satirico production turns the original work’s critique of Victorian power into a contemporary examination of tyranny, nationalism, cancel culture, and American identity. The production combines Gilbert and Sullivan’s music with John Philip Sousa-inspired passages, new English lyrics by Capitol Steps veteran Bari Biern, extravagant costumes and scenery, and broad political comedy aimed at targets across the ideological spectrum.
Performances: October 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026, at The Kogod Cradle at the Arena Stage Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C. The October 10 performance includes an opening-night reception.
Additional performances: October 23, 24, and 25, 2026, at Baltimore Theater Project, 45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The October 23 performance includes an opening-night reception.
Director’s Salons: September 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW, Washington, D.C.; and October 19, 2026, at 6 p.m. at a Baltimore location to be announced.
Venue: The Kogod Cradle at the Arena Stage Mead Center for American Theater, Washington, D.C.; and Baltimore Theater Project, 45 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland.
Based on: The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Adaptation: New English texts by Bari Biern.
Cast: Hayley Abramowitz, Andrew Adelsberger, Melanie Ashkar, Greg Sliskovich, Teresa Ferrara, Robin McGinness, Cecelia McKinley, John Solomon Collins, and Hunter Shaner.
Stage direction: Timothy Nelson.
Musical direction: Dana Scott.
Set design: Josh Sticklin.
Lighting design: Paul Callahan.
Costume design: William Linares.
Wig and makeup design: Andre Hopfer.
Featured roles and designs: Kitty-Katisha, Koch-Ko, the Makado, National Guards, Num-Num, Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing, Pish-Tush, Pooh-Ba, and Yankee-Poo.
Tickets: Price not available. The event page provides separate links for Washington, D.C., and Baltimore ticketing.
Run time: Not stated.
Age guidance: Not stated.
Accessibility: Not stated.