COMIC OPERA COMPANY

Evening Star, Issue 22576, 18 February 1937, Page 8

COMIC OPERA COMPANY

OPENING PRODUCTION ON SATURDAY There was a large demand for seats when, the box plans were opened at the D.I.C. yesterday for the approaching season of the J. C. Williamson Ltd.’s Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company, which is on Saturday night with' a production of the humorous and picturesque comic opera, ‘ The Gondoliers.’ The latest Gilbert and Sullivan organisation comprises the best , array of singers, dancers, and artists that has toured New Zealand in recent years, including as it does Miss Strella Wilson, brilliant operatic soprano, Ivan Menzies, probably the best and most popular of all Gilbertian comedians. Gregory Stroud, the talented young baritone, Godfrey Stirling, whose singing of ‘ Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes ’ created much enthusiasm in Christchurch last year, Bernard Manning, the famous Gilbertian charactercomedian, Miss Evelyn Hall, a distinguished Australian contralto, who last appeared here with the Williamson Ltdj Grand Opera Company, Miss Helen Langton, the young Australian soprano, Eileen Kelly, the charming mezzo, also Vincent M'Murray, Clifford Cowley, and Tommy Jay. Critics and playgoers in Wellington were unanimous in declaring that the present company’s presentation of ‘ The_ Gondoliers ’ is by far the finest ever given of the Venetian opera in New Zealand. Of course, the addition of Miss Strella Wilson has greatly added to the strength of the company, as she possesses every asset necessary for a leading comic opera artist, including a’glorious voice and a pleasing personality. The revival of ‘ The Yeoman of the Guard ’ on Monday night will present Ivan Menzies in the role of Jack Point, his brilhant interpretation of which has materially assisted to make his name in New Zealand and Australia.. Miss Strella Wilson will sing and act the part of Elsie Maynard in ‘ Yeoman of the Guard,’ and the music attached to it gives her glorious voice great opportunities, particularly in the number, ‘ ’Tis Done; I Am a Bride,’ which is really grand operatio music. On Tuesday night and the following Saturday afternoon the amusing and tuneful Japanese opera, ’The Mikado,’ will he staged, with Ivan Menzies in his inimitable and irresistibly humorous characterisation of Ko Kb. On Wednesday afternoon the fairy opera, ‘ lolanthe,’ will he staged, . and on Wednesday night Planquette’s popular and record-breaking comic opera triumph, ‘ Paul Jones, will_ be produced. It is many years since this opera was last staged in Dunedin, and playgoers will probably remember the time when the name part was portrayed by Miss Maud Beatty. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights Frans Schubert’s exquisite musical romance, ‘ Lilac Time,’ will be performed. In the role of the composer, Frans Schubert, Mr Menzies proves himself a brilliant and versatile comedian, and it is his remarkably fine portrayal of this part that lias been responsible for the wonderful success which has_ been achieved everywhere by the revival of ‘ Lilac Time.’ On Monday week the company is to leave for Australia. The work of the orchestra and chorus is « feature of all the productions. The box plans for the season are now open at the D.I.C.