COMIC OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 98, 27 April 1932, Page 3

COMIC OPERA.

RETURN OF POPULAR

COMPANY.

"DOROTHY" REVIVED. Outside the charmed circle of the Gilbert and Sullivan series very few English comic operas have possessed sufficient vitality to warrant revival after a lapse of years. "Dorothy" is one of the few. But "Dorothy" is a cousin of the Savoy immortals —how many times removed is a matter of opinion. Alfred Collier was a colleague of both Sullivan and Gilbert —he collaborated with Gilbert in "The Mountebanks" — and "Dorothy" was produced in London in ISSG, when the original tide of Gilbert and Sullivan popularity was at full strength. It is proof of the quality of "Dorothy" that at the time "The Mikado" was conquering England, it should have achieved such a prodigious success in London. It ran for two years and a half and soon all the world was singing and whistling "Queen of My Heart," "You Swore to be Good and True" and "The Huntsmen's Chorus." The reason for "Dorothy's" success then and its subsequent revivals is that it is a real comic opera. It has a sound plot; the costuming is very attractive; there is a dash of humour, and the music is exceptionally bright. Collier was not a Sullivan, but he had something of the master's equipment. Moreover, in the history of the Australian and ]S T ew Zealand stage "Dorothy" is also connected with Gilbert and Sullivan, because the players who introduced and revived the Savoy operas a generation or more ago included Cellier's work in their repertoire.

Had "Dorothy" been included when the present J. C. Williamson company played its long Auckland season a few months ago it would have been just as warmly welcomed as it was last night by a large audience. The staging of the ballroom scene in the second act was carried out on a grand scale. There was nothing tawdry about the mounting or dressing, as might well be the case when a company has been on tour for a lengthy period. The frocking of the ladies, the silken hose, knee breeches, buckle shoes and periwigs of the men. and the graceful dancing of the minuet will long be remembered. The effect of this beautiful old-time dance was marred somewhat by the buffoonery of the comedian, whose antics unnecessarily distracted attention. When the curtain fell on the hunting scene, in which realism was added by the presence of the hounds, the audience demanded more and the curtain had to be raised several times before the clamour subsided.

Every member of the company did good work. Miss Marie Bremner was a sweet Dorothy, vivacious and at times bewitching. She has no solo work in this opera, but her singing part is heavy. There are numerous duets, quartets and other concerted numbers in which she takes the lead, and her voice was equal to all demands. As Geoffrey Wilder, the spendthrift nephew of Square Bantam, Mr. Leo Darnton was well cast, and his singing was excellent. Mr. Gregory Stroud as Harry Sherwood gave an attractive performance. His vocal qualities are outstanding and his handsome appearance fitted well the part he played. The Lurcher of Mr. Ivan Menzies caused much merriment, but at times the broad comedy in such a dainty production jarred somewhat. Others who did excellent work were Miss Mary Hothain, .Miss Evelyn Gardiner, Mr. Bernard Manning, Mr. John Ralston, Mr. Cliff Cowley, Miss Xancy Home and Miss Valerie Walshe.

"Dorothy" will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. "The Yeomen of the Guard" will be staged on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon "The Pirates of Penzance" will be revived, and on Saturday night "lolanthe." Other operas, including "Ruddigore," are also announced. .