COMIC OPERA SEASON

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 83, 6 January 1928, Page 12

COMIC OPERA SEASON

“THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD” A great audience was delighted by a onenight revival of the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite “The Yeoman of the Guard His Excellency the Governor-General ana Lady Alice Fergussou, with a party from Government House, attended the performance The story needs no tolling, and it suffices to say that the libretto with its mingled humour and pathos, and the delightful music, with all the well-known numbers, exercised all their old time charm This forty-year-old opera was splendidly staged, and dressed with a fidelity to detail and a riot of colour that upheld the- high standard associated with the J C. Williamson productions. Miss Strolla Wilson as Elsie Maynard, Miss Winifred Williamson as Dame Carruthers, Miss Mabel Gibson as Phoebe Meryll, shared the honours of the evening, with Mr Jas, Hay as Colonel Fairfax, Mr Charles Walenn in a masterly portrayal the character of Jack Point, Mr John Ralston, who gave a carefully studied and convincing- presentation of Wilfred Shadbolt, the head jailer, and Lance Fairfax as Sir Richard Cholmondcley. The principals were ably supported by the other members of the company. “PRINCESS IDA.” ' Princess Ida,” another of the Gilbert and Sullivan gems, will he staged tonight. It is said that Gilbert was very proud of his satirical work in this spectacular and beautiful creation, and that he was wont to acclai i -t as one of his best efforts. Sullivan's collaboration ensured its success, though there were many who maintained that as a fantastic comedy it would have held its own against the best. The very best of t>ullivan music, however, will be found in this charming opera, which has proved one of the most popular of the series. With beautiful solos, haunting melodies, and inspiriting choruses, witty libretto f and idyllic stage pictures. 'Princes Jua possesses all the qualities to provide a most enjoyable night’s amusement and delectation. As queen of the - feminine colony, the members of which gradually succumb to the male invaders, Miss Strell-a Wilson has a most difficult soprano role. There are lively and flirtations girls who appear to advantage in the second act, when ths barriers have been broken down bv the male intruders. As Hilarian. the lover of the princess. Mr .Tames Hav has his ideal part. Messrs. Chas. Walenn (as King Gama), and John Ralston (King Hildebrand) uro .the principal fun-makers. Misses Winifred Williamson (Lada Blanche). Patti Russell (Ladv Psyche), are in most original roles: Other important characters will he portrayed by Messrs. Leo Darnton (Cyril.) Lance Fairfax (Florian). Bernard Manning (Aras), and John Byrne (Scynthius). The orchestra, under Mr. G. SlapolTski, always does splendid work. To-morrow (the final appearance). The Gondoliers” will bo staged afternoon and night, and there should be o. full house to bid farewell to this talentrd and popular company.