J. C. Williamson's Opera Company.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8053, 3 April 1905, Page 5

J. C. Williamson's Opera Company.

Great Productions Promised.

• Heavy booking was recorded this morning, when the plan of reserved seats was opened at Mr Park's for the two performances of Mr J. C. Williamson's Repertoire Opera Company on Friday and Saturday evenings next at the Zealandia Hall, when two of the most melodiouß of modern comic operas, " The Pirates of Penzance," and " The Mikado" will be presented. The occasion will mark an epoch in the theatrical history of Palmerston North, inasmuch as it will be the first time these witty and musically attractive works have been performed here by any of Mr Williamson's companies. The occasion will also be notable from the fact that it will signalise the first appearance here of Mr Howard Vernon, whose name is a household word throughout Australasia, Mr Charles Kenningham, the immensely popular tenor, from the leading London theatres, Mr Frank Wilson, a new baritone from the Savoy Theatre, London, Miss Dolly Castles, the clever' little prima donna, Miss Vinia d'Liotte, and Mr H. H. Wallace. Miss Celia Ghiloni, who was last here with the Royal Comic Opera Company, and whose charming pourtrayal of the " Princess" in " Tho Country Girl," will be remembered by play goers, will make a welcome re-appearance. It is no exaggeration to say that the coming season is being looked forward to with no ordinary degree of interest, and for the opening night a great audience seems to be assured. Upon this organisation much managerial care and attention have been bestowed. In point of numbers and general equipment it will be found to^surpass all previous combinations that have appeared here, elaborate though they may have been. Including principals, chorus and orchestra, the productions will engage no fewer than 80 persons, for it is Mr Williamson's purpose that these charming and delightful works shall be given in precisely the same way in every detail as they were at the Opera House, Wellington.