“IOLANTHE”

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 71, 17 December 1926, Page 6

“IOLANTHE”

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON "lolantho” a comic opera in two acts, hv Gilbert and Sullivan. Cast: The Lord Chancellor Charles A. Walenn Earl Mounlararat ... Bernard Manning Earl Tolloiler Loo Darnton Private Willis John Ralston Sfrephon Lan-e Fairfax Tolanthe . Effie Armstrong Fairy Queen Winifred Williamson Leila ■' Alma O’Dea Celia Merna Stewart plot a Beryl Pratt Phyllis Patti Russell

"lolanthe” is an opera that calls for an exceptionally elaborate costuming of the cast, and for (his reason it is not essayed by the average amateur operatic society' with such regularity as “The Pirates of Penzance” or "11.M.5. Pinafore.’’ Sonic professional companies also omit it during their seasons, and tlie result is it is not generally so well known as the other light operatic gems. But the music of "Tolanthe” has all tlie charm and popular appeal of the best of Sir Arthur Sullivan’s work, and it is through no fault of the composer that the melodies of "None Shall Part Us” or "When All Night Long” are not heard more often. The humour nf the librettist is the broadest rd bur-ai-i-anced with the Gilbcrtian touch which makes it the cream cf subtle delicacy.

Last night at the Opera House "Tolanthe” was received with as much enthusiasm as was the case on the previous visit of the Williamson Company. This is one of the presentations in which the principal lady’s fart is not suited to Miss Strclla Wilson, and the piece loses slightly bv the emission of her personality and glorious voice from the cast, but the remaining members of (lie company are also so talented that the company can still be ranked with the best that lias interpreted “Tolanthe” in Wellington. Mr. James Hay was an absentee on this occasion, his place lining filled hv Air. Leo Darnton. who filled the nart of Earl Tolloller admirably. The other soloists were all in good voice, and encores were the order of the evening. Special mention must be made of (he chorus, which plays such a large part in the success of lhe company, and the orchestra, which is under the able baton ‘of Mr. Gustav Slapoffsky. This evening “IT.M.S. Pinafore” and “Trial by Jury” will 1e played; on Saturday afternoon and evening "The ikado," and on Monday 1 ext "The Pirates of Penzance.”