GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 13

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS

Wellington Programme J. C. Williamson’s Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will begin its Wellington season with a production of “The Gondoliers,” on Wednesday, February 12, the four following evenings, and, on Saturday afternoon, February 15. “The Pirates of Penzance,” preceded by “Trial by Jury,” is to be revived on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Wednesday afternoon, February IS and 19. On Thursday, February 20 and the two following nights and on Saturday afternoon, February 22, “The Yeomen of the Guard” will be staged, and on Monday, February 24, and the two following nights and 'Wednesday afternoon, February 26, “lolanthe” will be revived. On Thursday. February 27 and the following three nights and on Saturday afternoon, March 1, "The Mikado” will be presented, and on Tuesday and Wednesday night and Wednesday afternoon, March 4 and 5 "HALS. Pinafore,” preceded by “Cox and Box,” will be produced. The company met with , a remarkable reception at their opening performance of "The Gondoliers' in Auckland recently. Ivan Menzies, Evelyn Gardiner, Gregory Stroud, Richard M atson and Vincent McMurray, who are established favourites with New Zealand audiences, were all accorded an ovation when they appeared respectively as the Duke of Plaza Toro, the Duchess of Plaza Toro, Guiseppe, the Grand Inquisitor, and Antonio, and a very hearty welcome was given to Viola Wilson, the principal soprano, John Fullard, the leading tenor, Sara Gregory, the charming soubrette. Maxwell Oldaker, Phyllis Curnow and to the other artists who are all making their first appearance in New Zealand. His Majesty’s Theatre was packed, and as the performance progressed, so did the enthusiasm increase, and the final fall of the curtain was made the occasion for an unprecedented demonstration, the like of which has no parallel in the history of His Majesty’s Theatre. Each of the principals was called before the curtain, and the stage was literally covered with floral and other tributes. M hen at last Ivan Menzies had thanked the audience for their generous appreciation the enthusiasm was renewed, and actually there were cheers from the stalls, dress circle and gallery. It was a memorable night and one that will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to be present. Encores were frequent, John Fullard having to repeat “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes” no fewer than three times and for his inimitable dancing of the entrancing gavotte in the second act. Ivan Menzies was recalled again and again till he had danced himself almost to a stand-still. The consensus of opinion was that never before had such a brilliant and perfect representation been given of “The Gondoliers” in New Zealand, and . further proof of this happened the following day when the box plans wore rushed for the remainder of its run. “The Gondoliers” is undoubtedly one of the lightest, merriest. most tuneful and most humorous of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The settings are picturesque and comedy shows off Gilbert at bis very best.

The company includes a'full operatic chorus and ballet.