J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA COMPANY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22004, 30 January 1937, Page 7

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA COMPANY

SEASON BEGINS NEXT SATURDAY

A large amount of interest is bemg taken in the approaching season of the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Company’s opera season, which will begin on Saturday afternoon and evening next with two productions of the entrancing and very entertaining comic opera, “The Gondoliers,” which will signalise the reappearance here of the brilliant operatic soprano, Miss Strella Wilson, and the very popular comedian. Mr Ivan Menzies. Ever witty, delightfully melodious. and unfailingly popular, the

Gilbert and Sullivan operas are just as acceptable with the average playgoer to-day as they were many years ago. The coming season is to be limited to nine nights, but during that period no lower than nine operas arc to be staged, namely. “The Gondoliers,” “Princess Ida,” “The Yeomen of the Guard,” “lolanthe,” “The Mikado,” “Paul Jones,” “Rbddigorc,” "The Pirates of Penzance,” and “Lilac Time.” “The Gondoliers,” which satirises the socialistic ideal with such brilliant point and delicious humour, was originally produced at the Savoy Theatre. London, under the D’Oyly Carte management, nearly 50 years ago. Clever, dapper little Ivan Mcnzics, with whose capacity in the comedy roles of these operas all are familiar, will once more create amusement with his hawky and mincing conception of the impecunious Duke of Plaza-Toro. He chortles rather than sings his merry way through such numbers as “In Enterprise of Martial Kind,” “Small Titles and Orders.” and the clever gavotte number, “I’m a Courtier,”, in which his twinkling feel play all sorts of tricks as the auartet associated with him pace the stately measure with due grace and decorum. Miss Strella Wilson. who is probably the best singer of light operatic soprano roles on the stage to-day, adds great strength to the company, as apart from her singing she is also a perfect actress, and see is enjoyed at her best in the role of Casilda. Godfrey Stirling’s fine tenor voice will again be heard in the popular solo, “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” and Gregory Stroud will repeat his former success in the role of Giuseppe. Miss Evelyn Hall, who is to take the important part of the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, was a principal member of the vast Williamson, Ltd., Grand Opera Company which toured New Zealand, and the character of the Grand Inquisitor will again bo portrayed by the brilliant London basso, Mr Richard Watson. The Mis=es Helen Langton and Eileen Kelly made themselves popular with playgoers , when they appeared here last year in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and the cast also includes Clifford Cowley, Vincent McMurray, and Bernard Manning. A feature of all the operas is the work of the grand operatic chorus and ballet. The box plans for the season will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday morning next.