The M.A.K.A.do: Make America Kingly Again!

The M.A.K.A.do: Make America Kingly Again! is IN Series’ comic operatic reimagining of Gilbert and Sullivan’s *The Mikado*. Set in a lavish golden Oval Office, this political and social satire targets tyranny, would-be kings, cancel culture, and foolishness across the political spectrum. The production combines new English lyrics by Bari Biern, music by Gilbert and Sullivan with added John Philip Sousa influences, extravagant costumes and sets, and broad comedy.

The Washington performances feature a large ensemble of familiar and absurd characters, using laughter and music to satirize the things people may be thinking but rarely say aloud.

When: October 10–18, 2026

Showtimes: October 10 at 7:30 p.m., with an opening-night reception; October 11 at 2:30 p.m.; October 15 at 7:30 p.m.; October 16 at 7 p.m.; October 17 at 7 p.m.; and October 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Venue: The Kogod Cradle at the Arena Mead Center for American Theater, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: Price not available

Lineup: Hayley Abramowitz, Andrew Adelsberger, Melanie Ashkar, Greg Sliskovich, Teresa Ferrara, Robin McGinness, Cecelia McKinley, John Solomon Collins, and Hunter Shaner

Creative team: Timothy Nelson directs and serves as artistic director, with musical direction by Dana Scott. Paul Callahan is the lighting designer, William Linares is the costume designer, and Andre Hopfer handles wig and makeup design. Bari Biern wrote the new English texts.

Characters: The production includes The M.A.K.A.do, Yankee-Poo, Pish-Tush, Poo-Bah, and the characters Kitty-Katisha, Koch-Ko, the National Guards, and Num-Num, Peep-Bo, and Pitti-Sing.

Special performance: The October 16 performance is a D.C. Pride Night. Audience members are invited to dress as characters from the production, and a prize will be awarded for the best look-alike.

Run time: Not specified.

Ages: Not specified.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is provided.