GILBERT AND SULLIVAN

Evening Star, Issue 19713, 14 November 1927, Page 6

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN

‘ RUDDIGORE ’ TB-HIGHT ‘ Riddigorc,’ one of the most charming though least known of the works of the inimitable collaborators, Gilbert and Sullivan, will be seen by a large audience at His Majesty’s to-night. It arks an event in New Zealand’s theatrical history, for this is the first time that it has been played by a J. C. Williamson company. ‘ Rnddigoro ’ is a difficult and costly production. The scenery and mountings are said to Ixs beautiful, and the dressing on a magnificent scale. Other outstanding features are the beautiful music and clover humorous dialogue. Because of his intimate knowledge of English productions of the comic operas in which ho has appeared. Mr James Hay was selected to produce ‘ Ruddigorc ’ in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Hay has spent many years in England, returning to Australia from time to time for Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Ho has put his best work into the opera, and with a highly capable company, which includes such talented and popular artists as Strella Wilson, P.atti Russell, Winifred Williamson, Charles Walenn, John Ralston, Bernard Manning, small wonder is it that complete success has been attained. The plot of ‘Ruddigore,’ as is customary with Gilbert and Sullivan productions, is an extravagant one, and the ; whole opera, is a skit on the “ blood-ahd-thunder ” melodrama of the past, A specially-selected orchestra will be under the conductorship of Mr Gustave Slapoffslci, the well-known musical director of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and the chorus is one of the largest ever brought to tho dominion. ‘ Ruddigore ’ will be played for only two nights. It will be followed by tho production in rapid sequence of the following Gilbert and Sullivan favorites:— ‘Patience,’ ‘ Mikado,| ‘ Pirates of Penzance,’ and ‘ Gondoliers.’ This is a musical bouquet rarely presented, and should bo appreciated to tho full by all lovers of good music: and witty dialogue.