Meet the Artist--Ko-Ko, Brian-Mark Conover

Ko-Ko is the Lord High Executioner of Titipu. He becomes the Lord High Executioner by appointment and is reluctant to carry out his duties. This isn't really a problem until the execution-loving Mikado realizes that it's been a long time since anyone in Titipu was executed and threatens to demote the town to a village (gasp!) unless an execution is performed rather quickly. This leaves Ko-Ko with a problem. He has to find someone to execute!

One of the most well-known parts of The Mikado is Ko-Ko's "Little List" song. He gives us a list of the people he could execute and "who never would be missed". The lyrics of the List are changed to reflect current trends in politics and pop culture. It is changed to suit a regional audience and often contains reference to locally and nationally known people or events.

The role of Ko-Ko requires an artist who can act, sing, and possesses a must see-it-to-believe-it level of  skill in the art of physical comedy. Opera Omaha is proud to have Brian-Mark Conover join us for The Mikado as our Ko-Ko. Mr. Conover's wit, stage presence, and comedic flair combined with his enjoyment of the audience and a lovely baritone create a magnificent Ko-Ko!

Join us this weekend on Friday, April 13 or Sunday, April 15 for our production of The Mikado and see who Mr. Conover has on his List. Click Ticket Omaha or call 402-345-0606 or 402-346-4398 for tickets. Don't miss it!

Biography provided by artist:

Mr. Conover has been performing for over 35 years. He is trained as a lyric baritone and holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and music. He performed in several Opera Omaha productions including Don Giovanni  and Opera for the Cure. He was a featured artist in So In Love With Broadway. Mr. Conover performed the roles of Norn, Gunther, Alberich and Katsy Snapp in Opera Omaha's 2009 production of Das Barbecu. Additional local theatre credits include playing Uncle Max in The Sound of Music and Don Joe in No Dogs Allowed at the Rose Theater. 

While living in Chicago, Mr. Conover played many character roles including; Marcus Lycus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Annie, The Madam in Pacific Overtures, George Bernard Shaw in The Frogs, Constable Simms in Oh, Boy!, Donald Trees in The Flowers, The Duke in The Paradise Hotel, and Mr. Smith in The Bald Soprano. His national credits include several productions of Forbidden Broadway in major cities throughout the United States.