Ford's Theatre will resurrect one of its biggest hits, The Hot Mikado, to end the 2001-2002 season at the historic Washington, DC, playhouse.

David H. Bell's slick, 1940s-era version of Gilbert and Sullivan's 1885 operetta, The Mikado, was a huge hit in 1994 and returns March 13, running through June. The musical had its world premiere at Ford's in 1986.

The tale of love and justice in a Japanese village concerns wandering minstrel, Nanki-Poo, and his pursuit of the fair Yum Yum. Adapter Bell won the Helen Hayes Award for Best Director for the 1994 revival of The Hot Mikado. He directs and choreographs, with designer Dan Proett recreating his neon-accented scenic design. David Kay Mickelson is costume designer (think zoot suits), and Diane Ferry Williams is lighting designer.

Tickets are $27-$43. Ford's Theatre is at 511 Tenth Street, N.W., in Washington, DC. For information, call (202) 347 4833 or visit www.fordstheatre.org.

* The Hot Mikado enjoyed a London run that spawned a cast album on the First Night label.

The Ford's Theatre resident season also includes A Christmas Carol (Nov, 24-Dec. 30) and Judd Hirsch and Ben Vereen in I'm Not Rappaport (Jan. 23-Feb. 17, 2002). The season opened with To Kill a Mockingbird.

— By Kenneth Jones