"The Gondoliers"

Hutt News, Volume 13, Issue 21, 1 November 1939, Page 5

"The Gondoliers"

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE

St. James's Hail was filled to capacity on Thursday and Saturday night last, when St. James's Anglican Church Choir (augmented) rendered a concerted version ox Gilbert and Sullivan's opera "The Gondoliers," under the baton ,of Mr Harry Brusey. The stage surrounds were attractively decorated, the conductor's and accompanists' dias being flanked with bowls of pink and white cherry blossom, azaleas, and trails of asparagus-- fern and camellias. This floral note was repeated on the stage, and looked most effective against the pink and black stage hangings and midnight blue curtains. The performance, which was an excellent one, gave evidence of weeks of careful preparation, and was enthusiastically received, many of the numbers being recalled. The solo accompaniments were played by Miss B. G. G. Harte, and the overture and choir accompaniments by Miss Harte and Rev. M. R. Pirani on two pianos. The cast of characters was as follows:—The Duchess of Plaza-Toro, Mrs. Arthur Stamp, (wearing a gown of apricot crepe de chene, with diamante ornaments); Casilda, Mrs. Robert Bell (ice blue chiffon, with lavender coiffure and corsage spray); Gianetta, Mrs. Lionel Harris (two tonings of green georgette over taffeta); Tessa, Mrs. i mlip Dunkley (flame crepe de chene); the Duke of Plaza-Toro, Rev. W. E. W. Hurst; Luiz (his attendant) Mr. Keith Sharp; Don Alhammbra Del Bolero, Mr. A. V. Stamp; Marco Palmieri, Mr. Owen Bonifant; Giuseppe Palmieri, Mr. Alex Wakelin; Antonio, Mr. C. D. Miles; Francesco and Annibale, Mr. Lan Corbett; Giorgio, Mr. Norman Smith; Flametta, Mrs. Muriel Hubbard; Vittoria Miss Betty Jarman; Giulia, Mrs. G. H. Strickland; Inez, Miss M. L. | Rising. |

The cast of characters was wonderfully well chosen and the soloists, without exception, gave delightful renderings of their numbers. The Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro delighted their audience with their witty duets and solos, combined with clever acting. The former was heard to advantage in his solo "In Enterprise of Martial Kind" and the latter made a decided hit and received a 'tremendous ovation for her clever rendering of the laughable solos "On the day when I was wedded" and "With Ducal Ptfmp." Don Alhambra played the part of the Grand Inquisitor with all the pomp and dignity befitting his high ' calling. His outstanding solos were "No i-ossible Doubt," and "There Lived a King' Luiz was well fitted for the part and was well received in his various numbers, especially "Ihere Was a Time." Messrs Owen Bonifant and Mr. Alex \Vakelin who respectively portrayed the brothers Marco and Gieuseppe, were outstanding among the gentlemen singers, the former's rendering of "Take a Pair of sparkling Eyes" and the latter's singing of "Rising Early in the Morning" and "I am a Courtier," called for persistent recalls. Of the other leading ladies the company was again most fortunate, for each was possessed of considerable dramatic ability and a delightful, soprano voice and personality. "Oh Rapture," and "There Was a Time" sung by Casilda and Luiz, brought out to advantage the exceptional qualities of Casilda's flute-like soprano voice. Gianetta and Tessa had prominent roles and captivated their audience with their many delightful numbers, including "Kind Sir you cannot have the Heart," sung by Gianetta and "When a

merry maiden marries," suing by Tessa. The part of Inez, possibly one of the most difficult parts in the cast, was most effectively portrayed by Miss Rising, who employed considerable dramatic artistry in recording her knavish story. me work of the choir reflected the greatest credit on its popular conductor, two of its most pleasing numbers being "Dance a Cachucha," a Spanish dance considerably enhanced by the introduction of the Castinette cleverly played by Miss Vivienne Piatt and the magnificent climax to a very delightful programme by the rousing chorus, "Hail, 0 King, of a Golden Land."

It is understood that this is the first occasion on which a Gilbert and Sullivan opera has been produc ed in the Hutt Valley and the hope was freely expressed that it would be the forerunner of many more similar efforts.

At the conclusion of the concert the company was entertained at supper by the ladies' committee.