Tulsa World: Wichita opera takes on LOOK production

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Wichita opera takes on LOOK production

By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer
Published: 11/1/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 11/1/2009 5:30 AM

Wichita Grand Opera is getting at look at what Light Opera Oklahoma does with Gilbert & Sullivan.

The Kansas opera company is presenting one of Gilbert & Sullivan's most popular works, "The Mikado," as the second production of its 2009-10 season.

Eric Gibson, artistic director for Light Opera Oklahoma, is making his Wichita Grand Opera debut as stage director for this production, which will be presented 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Century II Concert Hall, 225 W. Douglas Ave., in Wichita.

"I've known Parvan (Bakardiev, president of WGO) for some time, and we've shared some professional niceties over the years," Gibson said. "He was familiar with my work in Tulsa and asked if I'd be interested in directing this show for them."

Gibson said his approach to the show is similar to the Light Opera Oklahoma productions of "The Mikado," in that they will have the light-hearted, slightly irreverent tone that has become something of a hallmark of LOOK's Gilbert & Sullivan shows.

"Rodney Miller, who will be playing the Mikado and is the dean of fine arts at Wichita State University, worked with me reworking on some of the songs," Gibson said. "So the pop culture references and political comments come fast and furious.

"Rodney's even got in some Wichita-specific things, like that trouble they're having with parking around the local arena," he said.

Gibson said the chorus for this show is a little smaller than he's used to working with — just 16 voices — but added, "This is really an incredible group. And it's a bit like a homecoming, because there are several people in the cast who have done shows with LOOK."

That would include soprano Victoria Botero, making her debut as Yum-Yum; Nicole Birkland, who sings Pitti-Sing; and Brett Cockerham as Pish-Tush.

The production also stars John Tedeschi as Ko-Ko, Patrick Greene as Nanki-Poo, and Christina Hager as Katisha. Mark Layton, director of orchestras and conducting at Wichita State University, will conduct the orchestra.

Wichita Grand Opera is offering a special deal for those coming from out of town to the opera that includes a night's accommodations at the local Hawthorne Suites, located about 10 miles from the theater.

Prices are $100 for one ticket and room, $150 for two tickets and room. To order, call (316) 262-8054 or online at tulsaworld.com/selectaseat.

James D. Watts Jr. 581-8478
james.watts@tulsaworld.com By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer

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