Wichita Grand Opera
Wichita Grand Opera
Century II Concert Hall
225 W. Douglas Ave.
Wichita , Kansas 67202
316.683.3444 Admin Office
316.262.8054 Box Office
WGO presents Gilbert & Sullivan's most performed opera, The Mikado
        WICHITA, October 14, 2009 – Wichita Grand Opera continues its eighth exciting season as it opens the curtain on Gilbert & Sullivan’s most popular comic opera, The Mikado, on November 7th, 2009 at 7pm and November 8th, 2009 at 3pm at Century II. All performances will be sung in English.
        Join us in the small town of Titupu, Japan, where the executioner must figure out how to take his own head, a prince in disguise hides from the amorous pursuit of a royal “cougar”, and the fearsome Mikado rules over all. The “simple life” was never less so than in this hilarious Gilbert and Sullivan classic. The Mikado continues to be the longest running opera at London’s famous Savoy Theater, with 672 consecutive performances at the opening of the opera.
        Starring in the production as Ko-Ko is American baritone John Tedeschi, returning to Wichita from New York after performing Amonasro in Aida with Center City Opera. WGO audiences will remember him in the memorable the role of the boatswain in last season’s H.M.S. Pinafore. Wichita favorite Patrick Greene sings the role of Nanki-Poo, who appeared last year as Almaviva in Barber of Seville and Ralph Rackstraw in H.M.S. Pinafore. Veteran of the operatic stage Bass baritone Rodney Miller returns to the WGO stage in the title role of the Mikado. His first appearance with the WGO was in 2006 as the King in Aida. Presently, he serves as the Dean of Fine Arts at WSU.
        Victoria Botero, making her debut with WGO in the role of Yum-Yum, has performed with Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Tulsa Opera, among others. Returning to the WGO stage as Katisha after performing in last season’s H.M.S. Pinafore and Aida is Christina Hager. Other recent engagements include Amneris in Aida with Center City Opera and Despina in Cosi Fan Tutti with the Shreveport Opera.
        Stage Director Eric Gibson is making his WGO directing debut with The Mikado. Among his directorial credits with Light Opera Oklahoma as Artistic Director are Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow, and Pirates of Penzance. The WGO orchestra, chorus and cast will be led by Maestro Mark Laycock, making his WGO debut. Last season, he made his debut with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and currently serves as the Director of Orchestras & Conducting at WSU.
        Also performing are Cory Neal Schantz as Pooh-Bah, Joanie Brittingham as Peep-Bo, Nicole Birkland as Pitti-Sing, Brent Cockerham as Pish-Tush, and the WGO Orchestra and Chorus.
        Season Subscriptions are available for the 2009-10 season until November 2, 2009 saving up to 17%. In addition, single tickets for this production are $35, $58, and $85; however, our Early Bird Discount is available through October 19, saving patrons 10%.
        For season subscriptions, single tickets or group discount availability, visit:
  • WGO Box Office, 3rd Floor of Century II Concert Hall at 225 W. Douglas
  • Call the Box Office at 316.262.8054 between the hours of 9am and 6pm
  • Visit any local Select-A-Seat outlet at local area Dillons stores.
  • Order online at www.selectaseat.com

        For more information about this performance or the remainder of the 2009-10 season, log onto www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.
        This production is sponsored in part by Mr. & Mrs. Hal & Mary Lou Ross, Mr. Mike Steven, and Dr. & Mrs. Godwin Opara.

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