“THE GONDOLIERS”

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 119, 13 February 1941, Page 10

“THE GONDOLIERS”

Gilbert And Sullivan Season WELLINGTON'S WELCOME "The Gondoliers.” a comic opera in two acts, by Gilbert and Sullivan. C.'ist of characters:— The Duke of Plaza Toro ... Ivan Menzies Luis (tits attendant) ... Maxwell (Jitlaker Don Alhambra Del Borelo (Grand Inquisitor), Uieltard Watson Marco Palmieri Vincent McMurray Giuseppe Ptilainieri Gregory Stroud Antonio i.eu Gutting Faneseo John .Sanger Giorgio Chester Harris Anniable 1-eit Gutting Ottavio Graham Joues The Ductless of Plaza Toro Evelyn Gardiner Cnsitda titer daughter) .... Viola Wilson Gianenta Phyllis Curnow Tessa Sara Gregory Fiametia Elva Blair Vittoria Vera Evans Guilli.-t lean Battye Inez, (the Foster-Mother) .. Valerie Walsh Noting the manner in which New Zealand lias been starved in the matter of theatrical attractions for the past, year, if was small wonder that the Grand Opera House was filled to capacity last night on the occasion of the opening of the Gilbert and Sullivan season. Though most of these delightful comic operas are more than 50 years old, it would seem that "age

cannot wither nor custom stale their infinite charm and variety,” for they have outlived in popularity most of the contemporary music of the same

genre, and find favour with generation after generation of playgoers both in the British Empire and America. Few will find any difficulty in accounting for the popularity of these ojMU'as, being, as they are. the creation of England's most pungent wit of Victorian Hint's, and a composer whose ntusicinnly adroitness and gift of melody lifted him far above the commonplace in the hearts of the British public. The late Sir Arthur Sullivan

was a sincere artist in his work, and I hat sincerity comes through in every bar of his music. In an address lie once gave on music. Sir Arthur said: "I am not here to explain why music should be cultivated nor to apologise to superior-minded persons for its existence, but I claim for it boldly and proudly its place among the great things and great influences in the world.” Interwoven among the musical quips and quiddities of the music that illustrate the quaint humour of William fSchwenck Gilbert, there is something of that elevation of mind and beauty of thought belonging to the man. "'l’he Gondoliers" lias always been accounted one of the most popular of the series, and is, invariably, selected as the opening bill. It certainly has always held its own in popular favour with those other gents. "Yeoman of the Guard,” "The Mikado,” ami “lolanthe,” not to mention those older favourites, "11.M.5. Pinafore" and "Pirates of Penzance,” which we tire Io hear during tile season. "The Gondoliers," which pictures in brilliant and fanciful tints a happier lif« in Ihe Mediterranean than is now to be found in that war-harassed area. was produced originally at the Savoy Theatre, London, away back in December, ISS'J, the story having been devised by Gilbert from the combination of ideas that germinated in his fecund mind from the socialistic bug then troubling a certain section of the English public and the existence of the spectacle. "Venice in London." then intriguing the public of the metropolis. The merriest of stories, which ridicules the socialistic idea, was given a colourful i setting, while the radiance of Gilbert's humour and the sparkling beauty of Sullivan's music, completes the picture. This music embodies the light-hearted laughter of the sunny south and is as luminous.- as an Italian sky. There are those who are semi-contemptuous of this class of music, but for melodic charm, buoyancy and flow, the score of "The Gondoliers" would be difficult to improve upon in the sphere of English comic opera. After so many seasons of these operas- it is scitrei-ly tiei-cssary to go into any detail of the amusing story of the affairs of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza 'Poro (not forgetting their beautiful daughter), and those two sprigs of Venetian socialism. Marco and Giuseppe, who are so amazingly elevated to kingship in the imaginary state of Barataria. Sufficient to say that the pres-em company does full justice to the whimsical tale, and. both histrionically mid musically, uphold the prestige of Gilbert and Sullivan. as we have learned to know and honour it. A' warm welcome was given the company. Mr. Ivan Menzies, whos-e Duke of Plaza Toro is such a whimsical bit of mttmmery. was accorded a very special ovation, as was also Miss Evelyn Gardiner. the grave ami dignified Duchess, amt Mr. Kichnrd Watson, who gives such a sound comedy performance as- the Gi-iiftd Inquisitor. Coming Io the quartet, it was regrettable that the new tenor, Mr. John Eul-

lard, was unable to appear on account of an affected throat. His place asMarco was creditably taken by Mr. Vincent McMurray, who, if not. a very joyous lover, lifted up a serviceable tenor in seng. He received three encores for his solo. "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” even essaying one of the repeats in the mezzo voice with success. Mr. Geoffrey Stroud made a lively yet sturdy gondolier as Giuseppe, his by-play in the concerted numbers being particularly happy. Gimietta’s music was delightfully sung by Miss Phyllis Curnow, whose clarity of tone and diction were admirable virtues. Miss- Sara Gregory was also successful as Tessa. Miss \ iola Wilson, a newcomer. has a charming stage presence, and as Casilda, sung the love duet (with Luiz) very sweetly. Luiz, th> drummer who becomes king, was most attractively played and sung by Mr. Maxwell Oldaker. Such familiar numbers as “Rising Early,” "No Possible Doubt Whatever.” "In a Contemplative Fashion." "Try We Lifelong.’ and the exliiliratiug cavliuea were rapturously received by a delighted audience. The company possesses one of the best choruses ever sent to this country from Australia, and the full ilieatre orchestra of 17 pieces under the sensitive control of Mr. Leo Packer, added distinctly to the effectiveness of the ensemble.' It should be noted I hat 'The Gondoliers' 1 has been completely refroeked in (he gayest of colours, while new scenery adds considerably Io the glamour of (lie per-

fernia nee. There was a segue of marked enthusiasm al the. close of the performance, and a number of baskets of gorgeous gladioli were handed to the principal ladies.

"The Gondoliers” will be performed till (and including) Monday next. It wilt be succeeded by "The I’irates of Penzance" and "Trial by Jury.” which double bill will be presented on Tuesday night, Wednesday afternoon and evening.