OPERA HOUSE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 15 April 1922, Page 4

OPERA HOUSE.

"MERRIE ENGLAND."

_The recent phenomenal success won in London and Australia by ' 'Merrie England," "The Maid of the Mountains •" and "The Chocolate Soldier" goes to prove that the playing public the world over dearly loves a good and xenuine comic opera, New Zealanders proved th:s fact by their liberal patronage during the Gilbert and Sullivan revivals last year. "Merrie England' will be presented at the Opera House on Friday, May 5. The J. O. Williamson management state that they have spared neither time nor expenditure in presenting "Merrie England" on the same scale of completeness as when its revival recently created a furore of enthusiasm m London. Apart from the tact that the story is of absorbing interest in itself, with a delightful love romance interwoven, the music should make "Merrie England" a success An outstanding triumph is said to' have been achieved Jjy Miss Ethel Morrison as Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Charles H Workman was specially engaged for the part of Walter Wilkins, and in it he is said to eclipse his comedy characterisation in "Chu Chin Chow.'' Mr. A. Howett-Worster, an English baritone of note, will make his first appearance here. The cast will include the principal members of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan Company, together with its brilliant chorus and orchestra. The company during their Dominion tour will stage "Merrie England,'' which will be followed in rapid succession by "Dorothy," "The Chocolate Soldier,' 5 "Gondoliers," "Mikado," and "The Yeoman of the Guard."