The Madison Savoyards, Ltd. proudly announces their 2026 summer production: The McAdo, or the Town of Ballydew. This witty and topsy-turvy story of love, deception, and absurd laws marches onto the stage of the Bartell Theatre in downtown Madison from July 31?August 9, 2026.

This new adaptation of Gilbert & Sullivan?s The Mikado relocates the original Japanese setting to Scotland, in response to long-standing concerns about racial stereotyping found in traditional stagings. By changing costumes, names, and specific references?while preserving most of the dialogue and score?Gilbert and Sullivan?s humor

and music are given new life in this twist on a beloved classic that has delighted audiences for well over a century.

Set in the fictional town of Ballydew, the plot follows a disguised prince, Nanki-Doug, his beloved Wynn Somme, and the comically reluctant executioner Coco as they navigate a ridiculous law requiring executions for flirting. Complications multiply when the McAdo arrives, leading to chaos involving romantic entanglements and comic

reversals. Through mistaken identities and clever schemes, the absurd story resolves in classic comic fashion with love triumphant and order restored.