OPERA SEASON

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 5

OPERA SEASON

“Yeomen Of The Guard” Tonight "The I’irates of Penzance” and "Trial by Jury” were again presented last night at the Opera House by the J. C. Williamson Gilbert and Sullivan Company. Theie was a large and appreciative audience. Mr. Ivan Menzies gave his usual polished performance as the dapper MajorGeneral in the “Pirates.” and his song " Model Major-General” was uotalny successful. Miss Viola Wilson was Mabel, and her spirited acting and hue singing- made the performance memorable. Bernard Manning was the swashbuckling Pirate King, and Maxwell Oldaker, his apprentice. Perhaps the bestloved song in this lively opera, ‘A I oliceman’s Lid is not a Happy One, was sung with gusto bv Richard Watson. The slight but very entertaining operette which preceded the “Pirates’ was particularly delightful.- and the casting excellent. Mr. Leo Packer, and Ins able and excellent orchestra, again made the most of Sullivan’s immortal music. "The Ncomen of the Guard’ will be presented tonight and the three following nights, as well as on Saturday afternoon. Ivan Menzies is brilliant as Jack Point, the jester, and the music allocated to the role of Elsie Maynard gives Miss Viola Wilson further opportunities for her rich soprano voice. John h ullard, has a good singing part in Colonel Fairfax. Evelyn Gardiner. Richard Watson. Gregory Stroud, Bernard Manning and Vincent MeMurrav have all previously appeared in Wellington, in their respective roles. Miss Peggy Shea will make her Wellington debut in the important part of Phoebe Meryll, in which she scored a success in Auckland. The chorus and orchestra is tin outstanding feature. On Tuesday, and the two following nights and on the Wednesday afternoon, February 20. “lolanthe” will be revived; and on Friday, February 28, the two following evenings, and on Saturday afternoon, March 1. there will be "The Mikado.” On Tuesday, March -1. the two following evenings, and on the Wednesday afternoon. “HALS. Pinafore.’ preceded by "Cox and Box,” will be produced.