AACC Impresses with "The Mikado"

Opera AACC’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado received three performances this weekend on Friday, February 4 at 8 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and final evening performance at 8 p.m.  at Pascal Center for Performing Arts.

As one among the large audience at Saturday’s matinee, I can say that once again Opera AACC delivered a delightful performance totally up to the high standards established in the past.

Chair of AACC Performing Arts and founder of Opera AACC as well as the music director and conductor of The Mikado production, Douglas Brandt Byerly continued to fulfill his mission of making opera accessible to a growing audience with this near-flawless production musically in terms of orchestral accompaniment, excellent chorus work and well-cast singers. In addition, this show boasted spectacular costumes and lovely scenery. 

Not one to rest on these laurels alone, Byerly went beyond fulfilling all this to make the experience a delight from the moment we entered Pascal Center where we were greeted by beautifully kimono costumed ushers. When I complimented usher Katie Moore, I learned that this chorus member who often serves as stage manager had spent two hours readying her elaborate hairdo and makeup before ushering – presumably similar efforts were required by the other three kimono-clad ushers.

Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta premiered in New York City and London in 1885, and remains an international favorite today 125 years later, its spoofing the absurdity of pomposity everywhere including feudal Japan.  

The Mikado tells of Nanki-Poo, son of the Mikado who fled his father’s imperial court to escape marriage with Katisha, a dragon-lady. Disguised as a traveling musician, he met and fell in love with Yum-Yum, the young ward of Ko-Ko, a cheap tailor in the town of Titipu. Yum-Yum was already betrothed to her guardian, and Nanki-Poo left Titipu in despair. The operetta opens with a group of Japanese nobles in Ko-Ko-s courtyard where love-struck Nanki-Poo is still masquerading as a musician and searching for Yum-Yum having heard that Ko-Ko has been condemned to death.

After the beautifully delivered overture, the stage action got underway with the chorus of men looking spiffy in their kimonos and moving smartly as they delivered the opening number.  The first high point of the afternoon arrived immediately after with excellent tenor Lane Conklin as Nanki-Poo delivering a beguiling “A Wand’ring Minstrel I” – a favorite melodic gem.

Several lively, well-sung chorus numbers followed along with some delightful G&S patter songs for Ko-Ko and Pooh-Bah before another musical peak with the arrival of the lovely ladies who delivered a charming “Three little maids from school are we” sung by Yum-Yum (Kristina Tardif Banks), Peep-Bo (Jennifer Ansara) and Pitti-Sing (Dyana Neal).

It must be noted that Conklin’s Nanki-Poo and Kristina Tardif Banks’ Yum-Yum made a most attractive romantic couple vocally and artistically. 

Others deserving special praise as most outstanding in a cast of strong performers include Michael J. Begley as the Mikado, who was as skilled comically as he was vocally and Nicole Swann Bowers as the feared Katisha, revealing strong acting and comedic skills. Both Begley and Bowers were adorned by the most spectacular costumes which they wore with royal panache.

In supporting roles I must add that Dyana Neal as Pitti Sing captured my fancy for her singing, acting and special grace. This is also true for Jim Knost who displayed strong comedic skills as Ko-Ko.

Although I’ve said it elsewhere in other publications, it bears repeating that a better entertainment bargain cannot be found than what is offered at AACC’s Pascal Center. Where else could we enjoy a superb operatic production for a mere $20 general admission or only $12 for students and seniors over age 60? 

Editor's Note:  Broadneck Patch welcomes Mary Johnson, local and well-known arts and entertainment reviewer.