GILBERT AND, SULLIVAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 58, 9 March 1936, Page 9

GILBERT AND, SULLIVAN.

EXTENSION OF SEASON. Following presentation this evening at His Majesty's Theatre of "H.M.S. "Pinafore,'" tlrat remarkable skit on the British Navy by the world's two most famous collaborators, Sir Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert, and next Wednesday and Thursday's production of "Patience," the season of Savoy operas will be extended by three additional performances. "The Mikado" will be staged on Friday evening and Saturday "afternoon (matinee), and "The Gondctliers", on Saturday evening. This is evidence of the degree of popularity which these charming musical entertainments have achieved ■ with Auckland audiences, and'a splendid augury for the success of the ensuing Dominion tour— which it is hoped will end with a brief return season in' Auckland. In Australia a recent vote placed "The Gondoliers" slightly ahead of "The Mikado" in popularity, but it would be a rash person who would assume that New Zealanders would place them in the same order.

In to-night's production, "H.M.S. Pinafore," Ivan Menziee has the role of the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.8., First Lord of the Admiralty and ''Ruler of the Queen's Navee," who has never been to sea. J. C. Williamson himself made this role famous on its original authorised presentation in Australasia. The production is in two acts, and is one of the brightest and most colourful of all the Savoy favourites. It will, as usual, be preceded by the hilarious one-act farce "Cox and Box" (second title, "The Long Lost Brother"). As in "The Pirates of Penzance," the brilliant young New South Wales singer, Helen Langton, will be feminine lead in "H.M.S. Pinafore." She will probably establish a splendid theatrical career and reputation before she leaves the J. C. Williamson organisation.