GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON

Evening Post, Volume 105, Issue 4, 6 January 1928, Page 12

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON

A onc-uight .revival of "The Yeoman of tho Guard" by the J. C. Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company attracted a large audienco to the Grand Opera House last evening. Tho company again scored an outstanding success. Although there is less of tho comedy element in "Tho Yeoman of the Guard" than in most of the Gilbert and Sullivan productions, it Is rightly one of the most popular, mainly by virtue of its entrancing musical numbers. As Colonel Fairfax, James Hay gave an outstanding performance last evening, and his singing of "Is Life a Boon?" was a featuro of the performance. Charles Walenn, whose namo lias long been connected with Gilbert aud Sullivan productions in Australia and New Zealand, gave an excellent portrayal of Jack Point, tjio heart-broken Jester. Ono of Ills best successes was the song, "Oh, a Private Buffoon is a Light-hearted Loon." In the part of Elsie Maynard, Strella Wilson greatly pleased her audience. .The duet, "I Have a Song to Sing, O," sung by her and Mr. Walenn, was an excellent performance. " 'Tls Done, I Am a Brido," was another of her successes. Others who added to tho enjoyment of the performance were Lance Fairfax, Bernard Manning, Leo Darnton, John Ralston, Mabel Gibson, Winifred Williamson, and Lillian Crisp . "Princess Ida," another of tho Gilbert and Sullivan gems, will be staged to-night. The | very best of Sullivan music 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', and idyllic stage picture, "Princess Ida" possesses all the qualities to provide a most enjoyable night's amusement and delectation. As queen of the feminine colony, tho members of which gradually succumb to the male invaders. Miss Strella Wilson has a most difficult soprano role. As Hilarian, the lover of tho princess, Mr. James Hay has his Ideal part. Messrs. Charles Walenn (as King Gama), and John Ralston (King Hildebrand) aro the principal fun-makers. Misses Winifred Williamson (Lady Blanche), Patti Russell (Lady Psyche), are In most original roles. Other important characters will be portrayed by Messrs. Leo Darnton (Cyril), Lanco Fairfax (Florian), Bernard Manning (Aras), and John Byrne (Scynthius). Tho orchestra, tinder Mr. G. Slapoffskl, always does splendid work. To-morrow (the final appearance), "The Gondoliers" will be staged afternoon and night, and there should be a full house to bid farewell to this talented and popular company.