“The Gondoliers” Glows Rather Than Glitters

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 14

“The Gondoliers” Glows Rather Than Glitters

“The Gondoliers.” Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Produced by Les Clark. Civic Theatre. July 12-20. Running time 8 p.m. to 10.40 p.m. In the absence of any stronger contenders, the chorus was the star of a show that glowed rather than glittered. Crisply directed by Jim Cunningham, the large chorus exuded personality and vitality. Its words were incisive without losing tone or pitch, and its relaxed, vivacious at-mosphere-setting made the stage exciting to watch. The voices of the principals were pleasant and true without being quite big enough to captivate the audience. Marcus Harris, as one of the gondoliers, came close to the swashbuckling character needed: and Ron Armstrong’s Duke of Plaza Toro was the nearest thing to a star performance. He made audience contact with his facial asides, “danced” with satiric elegance, and sang with a strong, I rhythmic sense of humour. Bob McGiffin was the Grand Inquisitor—in the making. With more confidence to project his personality, his performance could build into a first-rate one. Margaret Snelling had some nicely tart lines, while Barbara Loader sang sweetly, and blended fetchingly with Gilbert Wi- i berg. Diana Parsons had some gay moments.

No expense had been spared on the costuming. Individually, there were some stunning effects, both in design and colour. The over-all impression, however, was disappointingly messy. Some lighting control would add texture to the staging, and could have been used

| to focus attention on the principals when alone on the ; stage. There was little dancing, I but the Cachucha Spanish I dance was infectiously gay, I and provided the highlight of the show. Joy Wild planned [the choreography. Musically, “The Gondoliers” was always pleasant listening, especially with a sympathetic orchestra showing reasonably sophisticated string tone. Theatrically, last night’s performance was competent rather than glamorous. But considering the tremendous demands of “The Gondoliers” in terms of lead singers, the society can feel confident that it is offering the public a very presentable demonstration of its growing status as a company providing enjoyable entertainment.—P.R.S.