"LILAC TIME"

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1937, Page 8

"LILAC TIME"

SUCCESSFUL REVIVAL

!>-I'Lilac. Time" must surely be one of the. most distinguished of the musical plays which have been produced in the: post-war years. It came upon us with its old-world setting and entrancing'music after a musical comedy period; of 'froth and bubble, and after an auspicious debut it has been successfully revived from time to time. The: theme is an incident—most likely ,apocryphal--in the life of the composer Franz Schubert, and some of Schubert's melodies and songs provide |in the-main the musical background to the story. The libretto is not without its .flaws, but it does give an insight into the character of-the great musician as he really.was. Schubert was a, man of sweet and amiable disposition, most retiring- and. generous to.a fault, who-endeared himself to everyone, arid -in "Lilac ■ Time" he .is so depicted. The music which has been selected for the play is' not truly representative .of the composer, but it gives an insight into the poetic spirit which, imbued his: writings... "Truly Schubert has the divine.: fire," said Beethoven,/and. the songs -which, have been- included in "Lilac Time" ■ are among the most beautiful of his lyrical inspirations.y.-.: : ' ■';■.■; .'■ ■ : ■ The latest production; of this work by the JV C." Williamson Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company drew a crowded audience to the Grand Opera House last night, and it was evident by the spontaneous, applause which greeted every song that it was thoroughly enjoyed. Perhaps the fragrant memory of the late Mr. John Ralston in the title role about ten.years ago prevented the full enjoyment of the latest performance. Last night the' part was taken by Mr. Ivan Menzies, and he never seemed to be happy in it. His voice is not suited to the lyric songs that have been allotted to the role, and much of their charm was lost. He never seemed to claim the attention, although it must be stated that he did strive to depict faithfully to his audience the quiet, shy character of the composer. The outstanding performance was that of Miss Helen Langton as Lilli Vect, whose acting and singing were always convincing. The parts of her two sisters were ably filled by Misses Margaret Kelly and Nina i Robinson. Mr. Gregory Stroud as Baron Franz yon Schubert made a dashing, romantic figure. To him falls the task of singing the "Serenade" at the beginning of the second act, but the particular setting did not appear to suit the range of his voice. His boon companions,

. Moutz yon Schwind, Kappel, and Johann Michel Vogel. were presented by Messrs. Vincent McMurray, Frank :Bermingham,"and Clifford Cowiey, and they were heard in some fine ensembles in which there was a good blend of voices. Mr. Bernard Manning as Christian Veidt brought out all the humour of his part, and Miss Eileen Kelly as Marim, the mischief-making opera singer, gave a splendidly-sus-tained characterisation. The other roles were adequately filled, and the conductor, Mr. L. H. Packer, gave a splendid lead to both the vocal and instrumental forces. .

. "Lilac Time" will be repeated tonight and tomorrow night.