loves, is searching for a tree in order to hang himself. Nanki-Poo is persuaded by Ko-Ko to be his substitute on the chopping block, but on one condition: that Yum-Yum be his bride until he is beheaded at the end of the month. Ko-Ko grudgingly consents to the marriage, and there is much rejoicing by all. Suddenly, Katisha appears, claiming Nanki-Poo for herself. She is informed by Pitti-Sing and the rest of the company that unfortunately her request can’t be fulfilled because of his forthcoming wedding. Katisha soulfully mourns her lonely fate before spitefully attempting to reveal Nanki-Poo’s true identity. YumYum, anticipating her intentions, drowns her out in song. A vengeful Katisha is finally pushed offstage by a celebratory ensemble, which insists that nothing should be permitted to ruin the festivities to come. The women prepare Yum-Yum for the forthcoming wedding behind lowered shades as the men stare at the pretty bride-to-be’s silhouette. Yum-Yum contemplates, in her artless Japanese way, how much more attractive she is than anyone else in the entire world, but her happiness is shattered when she’s reminded that her husband is to be beheaded in a month. Nanki-Poo suggests that time is purely arbitrary – if each ‘second’ is called a ‘minute’, they’ve got thirty years of married happiness before them. As the wedding procession begins, the company unsuccessfully endeavours to look on the bright side of the situation. Before the wedding can take place, Ko-Ko announces his latest discovery: he will not be able to marry YumYum after all, since according to the Mikado’s law, when a married man is beheaded, his wife must be buried alive! Nanki-Poo realises that by insisting on the wedding, he dooms Yum-Yum to a hideous death. However, if he releases her from her promise, she must marry Ko-Ko at once! To Ko-Ko’s dismay, Nanki-Poo decides the only way to solve the problem is to hang himself as he originally planned. Pooh Bah announces the approach of none other than the Mikado himself, causing Ko-Ko to insist NankiPoo honour his contract and die by the hands of the Lord High Executioner. To his surprise, Nanki-Poo accepts. Ko-Ko admits that in truth, he is incapable of killing even a fly - he had always thought his duties as Lord High Executioner were purely nominal. To convince the Mikado that his orders have been followed, Ko-Ko suggests that they create a certificate of Nanki-Poo’s execution, witnessed by all the officials of Titipu (a.k.a. Pooh-Bah - for some cold hard cash). However, Nanki-Poo must promise to leave and never return. Nanki-Poo agrees to do so only on the condition that he marry Yum-Yum immediately. The Mikado, a cool cat who believes the punishment should always fit the crime, demonstrates how to tap any troubles away. Ko-Ko informs him that the demanded execution has taken place, but quickly finds out the Mikado has come about another matter – his son, who ran away a year ago, has been masquerading in Titipu disguised as a second trumpet player. Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah and Pitti-Sing try to convince the Mikado that Nanki-Poo is in Cleveland, but Katisha discovers his name on the execution certificate. The Mikado, understanding that Nanki-Poo’s true identity had been kept a secret, regretfully points out that the punishment for killing the Heir Apparent doesn’t take this into consideration. It is decided that after lunch, Ko-Ko, Pitti-Sing and Pooh-Bah will die in boiling oil. Ko-Ko realizes that Nanki-Poo must be brought back to life immediately. However, Katisha would then insist on the execution of the newly-wed Nanki-Poo, causing Yum-Yum to be buried alive. Nanki-Poo suggests the ultimate solution – Ko-Ko must marry Katisha! Ko-Ko is reluctant – even Katisha’s famed left shoulder blade can’t make up for her plain face – but when Nanki-Poo insists this is the only way he will “reappear” in Titipu, Ko-Ko sets off to win Katisha’s heart. Katisha wonders why death refuses to come and bring peace to her broken heart as Ko-Ko springs into action, telling her that he’ll die on the spot if she doesn’t accept his love. Katisha claims no one has ever died of a broken heart, so Ko-Ko responds with the tragic tale of Tit-Willow, a little bird who wasted away due to blighted affection. Katisha is touched by the story, and the two realise they are a perfect couple. As the Mikado prepares to boil Ko-Ko, Pitti-Sing and Pooh-Bah in oil, Katisha begs him to show them mercy, particularly since she is so koo-koo for Ko-Ko, she has gone and married him. The Mikado is understanding,
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