SEASON OF COMIC OPERA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22005, 1 February 1937, Page 17

SEASON OF COMIC OPERA

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN PLAYS J. C. WILLIAMSON COMPANY Already a large number of applications have been received for seats for the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., comic opera season, which begins on Saturday afternoon and evening with a magnificent production of Gilbert and Sullivan's entrancing comic opera "The Gondoliers." This will mark the reappearance in Christchurch of Miss Strella Wilson, the brilliant operatic soprano singer, Ivan Menzies, the inimitable Gilbertian comedian, and other favourite artists. Since they last visited here, the company has added to its repertoire "Princess Ida," "Ruddigora," "Lilac Time," and "Paul Jones," and these operas are among those which will be staged during the season. "The Gondoliers" is undoubtedly one of the most attractive of the works of the j famous collaborators. The story of the I two merry and much-married gondoliers, who find themselves acting temporarily as joint occupants of a single i throne, of their two sprightly wives and the princess one of them is supposed to have married in infancy, of the Duke of Plaza-Toro, and of the supremely confident Grand Inquisitor, is one of Gilbert's most gorgeous fancies. The reappearance of Miss Strella Wilson in the role of Casilda will be looked forward to eagerly by playgoers, as it was in this good singing role that she made her debut in comic opera. Auckland and Wellington critics declared that Miss Wilson is at present singing better than ever. Ivan Menzies is a firm favourite with playgoers, and he is particularly humorous and entertaining in his brilliant conception of the Duke of PlazaToro. In the production of "The Gondoliers" the role of the Duchess of Plazo-Toro will be taken by Miss Evelyn Hall, a talented young Australian. Godfrey Stirling. Gregory Stroud, Miss Helen L&ngton, and Miss Eileen Langton made themselves extremely popular with the last Gilbert and Sullivan company that appeared here. Richard Watson will repeat his dignified and whimsical interpretation of the part Of the Grand Inquisitor, and the cast also includes Clifford Cowley, Vincent McMurray, and Valerie Walsh. There is also a grand operatic chorus and ballet. The box plans will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock.