“PRINCESS IDA”

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 16, 14 October 1926, Page 9

“PRINCESS IDA”

FASCINATING COMIC OPERA REVIVED “Princess Ida,” a comic opera in three acts, by Gilbert and Sullivan. Cast:— King Hildebrand John Ralston Hilarion Janies Hay Cyril Leo. Darnton Florian" Lance Fairfax King Gama, Charles A. Walenn Arae. Bernard Manning Princess Ida btrella M-ilson Lady Blanche Winifred Williamson Ladv Psyche Morna Stewart Melissa Alma 0 Dea Pacharissa Rosa Hartung Chloe Effie Armstrong Ada Eileen l’ollard

“Princess Ida,” still another of the delightful series of Gilbert-Sullivan operas, presented at the Grand Opera House yesterday afternoon and evening, was written at an unfortunate time in the affairs of the late Sir Arthur Sullivan, and it has been held by many that the comparative lack cf spontaneity in many of the numbers may be accounted for by the effect of material trouble; but, ‘if that were the case, it did not last Jong, for the next opera produced was the most brilliant of the series. “The Mikado.” A sounder theory for the stilt of “Princess Ida” lies in the tact that Gilbert, instead of depending on his own genius for the origination of a plot, hit upon Tennyson s “The Princess” as a theme. In this poem King Gama’s daughter makes a bold attempt to cast off the yoke of man, and within the walls cf Castle Adamant trains her sisters io regard man as “nature’s sole mistake.” In order to reflect the poem. Gilbert and Sullivan had to depart from their usual twoact scheme, and construct a three-act opera, which meant a' good deal of rather protracted numbers beyond the point, notably the two allotted to. Gama s sons, and Arac’s solo, which is a song composed on the doffing of armour—a verse for each piece, which is yot very humorous. Still, the opera is splendidly mounted, and really magnificently dressed; whilst the middle act, where ITilarinn. Cyril and Florian break into the college grounds, and pass themselves off ns studious maidens, is well packed with fine foolery and some brisk numbers. Among the best numbers hi "Princess Ida” are "Twenty Years Ago. "Ob. Dainty Triolet,” “Minerva," “I Built Upon a Rock.” “The World is but a Broken Toy,” “Kiss Me.” and “Nothing Whatever to Grumble At.” The cast is quite adequate. Miss Strella Wilson has a very striking 'nd picturesque role to plnv as the man-clesnisin" Ida, nnd in her long flowing train and sparkling diadem looked every inch the princess of Tennyson’s imagining. 'Moreover, the flambuoyant music allotted to the pari suited the fair singer admirablv, whilst her delivery of the highflown languor" of the princess was good to hear. Without disparaging any of her previous efforts, the Lady Blanche of Miss Winifred Williamson was a notable piece of work, artistically complete and satisfying. Miss Merna. Stewart made a bright Ladv Psyche. Miss Alma O’Don was a charming Melissa, and Miss Rosa Hartung a vivacious Sacharissn. Mr. James Hay gave a very polished performance ns Prince Hilarion, and sang the melodious music with no little witchery. He was ably supported by Mr. Lance Fairfax ns Florian, and Mr. Leo. Darnton as Cyril. Mr. Charles Walenn was amusing as the irascible King Gama, and Mr. John Ralston made a striking picture as King Hildebrand, and acted the role with flashing bombast and fury. The sons of Gama were played by Messrs. Bernard Manning ,’Arac). John Bvrne (Synthius), and Moran Hilford (Guron), the first-named singing the armour song very well indeed. It was Sir W. S. Gilbert’s boast that he always arranged that no lady should appear in tights in his operas. Miss Minnie Everett. the producer, goes nast the tradition, in regard to the college menials in the second act. Mr. Gustave Slapoffskv controlled the performance musically.