NEW COMIC OPERA COY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 72, 24 February 1932, Page 3

NEW COMIC OPERA COY.

OPENING THIS EVENING. Once more a Gilbert and Sullivan Company comes to Pafinerston North —and tonight J. C. Williamson’s New Comic Opera Company will mako its first appearance in the delicious, picturesque and highly humorous opera ( “The Gondoliers.” The Opera House will probably be crowded by an eager audience with an anticipation of happy enjoyment, which, if we may rely upon the reports from Auckland and Wellington as to the High merit of the company, will bo more than realised. “The charm of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas remains undiminished by the years,” wroto n Sydney critic., “This was manifest on Saturday night when the new J. C. Williamson Company began its season brilliantly at His Majesty’s Theatre.' It was like a first night in the prosperous period of the stage, with tho theatro crowded, and with enthusiasm keyed to a high pitch by the wit of tho master of quip and paradox, and by tho exuberant and spontaneous gift of melody of his equally distinguished collaborator. ‘The Gondoliers,’ the opera chosen for the occasion, is one of the most entertaining of tho series in its graceful music and the lightness of touch, whimusical fancy, and Gilbertian humour, of tho story of tho two Gondoliers, called upon to rule the Kingdom of Barataria. Tho performance proved beyond all doubt that tho reports from Melbourne regarding the very high standard of the artists were true, and it is questionable whether Sydney has ever been entertained by a better all-round organisation of singers, dancers and comedians. FVom the moment he stepped upon the stage, as the Duke of Plaza Toro, Mr Ivan Menzies became popular. He dresses the part well, speaks it well, dances well, and leaves well alone all overdone buffoonery. In tho rolo of the Duchess of Plaza Toro, Miss Evelyn Gardiner also achieved an outstanding success, and so did tho other London artist, Mr Gregory Stroud, who in the role of Guiseppo has opportunities to display his rich baritone voice,. particularly in the number ‘Rising Early in the Morning.’ Mr Leo Dafnton has already appeared here successfully in a number of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, but he has scored one of his best successes in the part of Marco, to which is allotted the popular musical number ‘Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes.’ Miss Mario Brcmner, Mies Maisie Ram6ay, Miss Mary Hotham, Mr John Ralston .and Mr Bernard Manning are others who helped considerably in making tho latest representation of ‘The Gondoliers’ the finest ever given in Sydney by this delightful opera. An outstanding feature of the production is the brilliant work of tho chorus and ballet, and the full operatic orchestra under the baton of Mr Gustave Slapoffski.” To-mor-row afternoon that beautiful opera “lolanthe” will bo presented. To-ynor-row evening will bo seen the over-popular opera, “The Mikado,” presented in a farewell performance as only two nights can be played in Palmerston North.