Gilbert and Sullivan’s most enduring operetta, The Mikado, is in a sumptuous new production through Oct. 30 at the newly renovated Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre. The show is presented by Lyric Opera San Diego.

Lyric Opera’s lovely new home, built as a movie house and vaudeville theater in 1928, is now decorated in rich jewel tones of cranberry and crimson. The original chandeliers have been retained, and the theater now has 736 seats (with the original ornate stanchions but new upholstery).

This Mikado is gorgeous to look at, with fabulous costumes and minimalist but serviceable sets. The orchestra, playing from its own pit, sounds wonderful. The only problem is that old Gilbert and Sullivan bugaboo: diction.

Somebody once complained that Mozart wrote too many notes. Chorus members (in particular) might say the same about Gilbert and Sullivan lyrics. G&S wrote patter songs, with lots of words that go by way too fast for mere mortals to spit out. Nonetheless, get them out they must. My companion and I only managed to catch about half the words. Perhaps Lyric should investigate supertitles.

Fine vocal work graces this production. Lyric Opera veteran Joe Pechota’s Pooh-Bah and Joseph Grienenberger’s Ko-Ko anchor the piece, with contributions from James Rouse, Laura McBroom, Ava Baker Liss, Martha Jane Weaver and Christopher Stephens.

But the night belongs to Lisa Archibeque’s Yum-Yum, whose lovely and powerful voice leaves you wanting more even while it threatens to blow Jonathan Michael Knapp’s Nanki-Poo off the stage. Knapp has a nice, listenable tenor, but he is outmatched by Archibeque’s power.

The show (written in 1895) is brought up-to-date in Ko-Ko’s song “As Some Day It May Happen” (a.k.a. “I Have a Little List”). Ko-Ko, as newly named Lord High Executioner, names people he feels “never would be missed.” This production’s listees include “Supreme Court nominees who never tried a case,” the Governator and people who say “nucular.”

It’s good to see this old favorite back, and especially gratifying to welcome this beautiful new/old venue to San Diego’s busy theater scene.

The Mikado plays through Oct. 30 at Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre. Shows Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. For tickets, call (619) 239-8835 or visit www.e-ticketsnow.com.