FEAST OF OPERA

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 171, 15 April 1932, Page 2

FEAST OF OPERA

Gilbert & Sullivan Company

To-night. at the Grand Opera House playgoers of Wellington will have another opportunity of enjoying J. C. Williamson’s Gilbert, and Sullivan Comic Opera Company in its brilliant representation of the exquisite and romantic opera "The Yeomen of the Guard." The music of Sullivan’s in "The Yeomen of the Guard” is probably the best he lias composed. Outstanding musical gems in "The Yeomen of the Guard” are: “I Have a Song 10 Sing, O,” “Is Life a Boon?” "Were I Thy Bride,” the trio “A Man Who Would Win a Fair Maid," and the quartet “When a Woer Goes Wooing." Sullivan has enriched his work with some magnificent choral ensembles, notably that for tho conclusion of the first act, where the greetings of Phoebe and her supposed brother are interrupted by the tolling of the tower bell as the funeral march begins, with its stately theme broadly enunciated by the strings from the sombre harmonies for the rest of tho orchestra. Tim character of Jack Point is undeniably one of the richest parts ever created for a comedian, and in this role Mr. Ivan Menzies is at his very best. Miss Marie Bremner is pcricctly suited to the role of Elsie Maynard. her singing and acting being a feature of the production. Mr. Leo Darnton will once again delight with his fine conception of lite role of Colonel Fairfax, and Mr. Gregory Stroud will appear as Sir Richard. Mr. John Ralston will repeat his quaint and humorous characterisation of Wilfred Shadbolt, and Miss May Hothnm plays Phoebe Meryl. Miss Evelyn Gardner appears as Dntne Carruthers, Bernard Manning as Sergeant Meryl, and Tom Broderick as Leonard Mery). The chorus and ballet work is a feature of this production. On Wednesday afternoon “The Mikado” will be staged, and on 'Wednesday evening "The Gondoliers.” To-morrow afternoon at 2 and to-morrow evening at 8 and on Monday and Tuesday evenings the J. C. 'Williamson management will present the favourite. Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company in a grand presentation of the famous comedy opera*"Dorothy." libretto by Stephenson, music by Collier. It is some years now since this' beautiful opera has been seen in Wellington, but doubtless there are many who still remember the lilting music and the sparkling choruses and ensembles. The principal characters will be sustained by Misses Marie Bremner ns Dorothy, Mary Hotham as Lydia. Nancy Horne ns Phyllis, Evelyn Gardner ns Mrs. Purvett. Valnrie Waishe as Lady Betty. Leo Dnrnton us Geoffrey 'Wilder. Gregory Stroud as Harry Sherwood. John Ralston as Squire Bnnton. Bernard Manning ns John Tuppett. Cliff Cowley as Tom Strutt, and file great comedy part of Linchen by Tvnn Menzies. Ttie opera was produced by Dick Shorthind. The musical director is Gustav Siapoffski. I and the dances and ensemble have been arranged by Miss Irma Hugheson.