The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan Anchorage Opera, Discovery Theater, 16 March 1989 The Mikado is a production that would be hard pressed, it seems to me, to rise above the quality of the story and songs of which it is comprised. This production didn't. It was a light and enjoyable evening, but never reached beyond the merely pleasurable. There were very opportunities, given the generally mundane music, and the singers missed those. Former Anchorage resident Stephen Aiken as Ko-Ko was as usual vigorous and comic. Indeed, I thought he bordered on becoming slapstick. He clearly plays to the audience, and seems to savor the laughter and applause enough to keep escalating his antics to draw the utmost audience reaction. (This was noticeable in his earlier portrayal here of Papageno in the Magic Flute, where he was appeallingly animated. His Ko-Ko sometimes seemed almost frantic.) The sets and costumes were spectacular. The scenery was from the University of Washington and the costumes from Opera Theater of St. Louis. The Anchorage Opera chorus was in very good form, the best I've ever heard them. They were the strongest component of the cast, with good power and tone. Jill bess (Pitti-Sing) was surprisingly capable, considering her background at the Fly By Night Club. Kathleen Fogarty (Yum-Yum) was adequate. Michael More (Nanki-Poo) had a kind of pleasant barroom Irish tenor that seemed inadequate on the big stage. Vincent Liotta as the Mikado could hardly sing at all;he acted well enough and had a big, commanding size, but seemed clearly unable to carry the music. Constance Koschmann (Katisha) was a good actor and fine singer, one of the high points of the evening. Conductor: Elvera Voth; stage director: Liotta.