"THE GONDOLIERS"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2370, 28 January 1915, Page 7

"THE GONDOLIERS"

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN REVIVAL WILLIAMSON OPERA COMPANY. "The Gondoliers," a comic opera in two acts. Libretto by Sir W. S. Gilbert; lyrics by Sir Arthur Sullivan. Principal characters :— Duko of I'laza-Toro ... Charles E. Walcnn> Charles 11. Walcnu kwi'. , G. Villicrs Arnold I>ou Alhambra Albert Kavanagh. ~ Albert Kavanagh Marco Palmiari Edward. M'Keown Ginscppo I'tilmieri Frank Wilson Duchess of ■ Plaaa/Poro Ethel Sforrison . Ethel Morrison Casildfl, Pearl Ladd GiancLtfl, Gladye Moncricff Katlc May At last a revival of Gilbert aud Sullivan opera in Wellington! A sparkling carnival of brilliant wit and immortal P'sledy, heralded appropriately enough Y '"IV Gondoliers," the most popular of all in the famous productions of that distinguished combination in British native opera, W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Gilbert's genius for whimsical satire and sparkling wit was perfectly balancod by Sullivan's genius for giving musical expression to the sentiment of the libretto in lyrics of such classic quality which though they almost lifted the production to the level of grand opera, yet never failed in their delicate colouring and piquant charm to accomplish that appropriate poise that gave the whole of that remarkable cycle' their peculiar and distinctive flavour. It has sometimes been said, and with truth, that in the haunting beauty of the lyrics the wit of the librettist is apt to be lost to the average listener: that a careful study of the operas is as necessary to the full enjoyment of their pro--1 ductiou as is ah intelligent study of Shakespeare to an adequate appreciation of his plays. It is certain that tho artists lo whom are entrusted the production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera must have a distiuct and peculiar capa/city for this particular olass of opera, otherwise there is a danger that tho brilliance of . Gilbert may be altogether obscured. Sullivan has clothed the wit of tho librettist in music so extraordinarily volatile that to anyone not familiar with the works, the inimitable flavour of the Gilbertian essence escapes undetected.

"Tho Gondoliers" tells the story of a girl who was married in infancy to a princely babe who was smuggled away into the home of a humble gondolier and irretrievably mixed with that individual's "brattling." As a matter of expediency both, now grown up gondolieri, are requested to wield the sceptre until such time as the knot is untied, as untied it is in the end. and to such purpose that neither becomes king. The old foster-mother confesses, under the grim persuasions of the Grand Inquisitor, to a little smuggling on her own account, which confession places the identity of the lost monarch upon a menial in tho entourage of the Duke of Plaza-Toro. It is merely an ordinary case of mixed pickles, but Gilbert has erected upon the plot an exquisite satire on British institutions and the British habit of miijd. The first performance of "The Gondoliers" by the J. 0. Williamson Comic Opera Company at the Grand Opera House last evening was extremely creditable. The company is a good, one, and in good form, and the chorus work is very thorough, although the orchesr tra at times did. not appear to he en rapport with the performers, especially the principals. The concerted numbers were really good, and sung with that spice of abandon which is essential to the full expression of the Gilbert and Sullivan ideal. Mr. .. Charles Walenn, as the Duke of Plaza-Toro, had a sound conception of the part, and presented a very amusing picture of the impoverished and blase old grandee who was compelled to float himself into a limited liability company in order to find the money wherewith to adorn himself and his suite in a style befitting their enterprise. He sang his songs In a dry cackle, which imparted a characteristic and appropriate flavour to the role. Mr. Albert Kavanagh, _as Don Alhambra, was somewhat stiff in his comedy, and hardly grim enough in his Grand Inquisitorial humour. Each gagged perhaps a little more than the license of tho opera permitted, but that may pass. Mr. Edward M'Keown, principal tenor, was fine. He has an excellent voice for his role as Marco Palmieri (one of the mixed "brattlings," afterwards part-time _ King), and scored a great triumph in_ the immortal "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes." Mr. Prank Wilson (Guiseppo PalmierO, as the other part of the temporary kingship, was also good. His is an extremely likeable personality, and his work with Mr. M'Keown was marked by an ajtistie capacity to nicely balance the situation, while his songs were capably sung. Miss Gladys Moncrieff, as Gianetta, was vivacious, sparkling, and altogether pleasing, and her singing was excellent. She lias a line quality of voice, clear and limpid, and sings with artistic expression, and always with a tnio conception of her role. Miss Ethel Morrison (Miss Magimuty) received the hearty welcome due to an old Wellington girl who has achieved success in her work. As the Duchess of PlazaToro she filled the part excellently— voioe, gesturo, deportment, singing, everything accorded with the role. Miss Katie May made a captivating little Tessa, Miss Pearl Ladd (an attractive singer) made an excellent daughter for the Duke of Plaza-Toro, while Mr. G. Vi'.liers Arnold, as Luiz, the real King of Barataria, gave a faithful interpretation; his singing was pleasing, although his acting was a trifle stiff. "The Gondoliers," which is admirably staged, will be repeated this and tomorrow evenings, giving place on Saturday evening to "The 'Yeomen of the Guard."