Opera House

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6788, 20 February 1932, Page 10

Opera House

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERA “THE GONDOLIERS. We have not had the pleasure of a visit from a J. C. Willamson Ltd. Musical Company for some considerable time, so tho announcement in today’s paper to tho effect that definite arrangements have been mado for tho appearance at tho Opera House on Wednesday and Thursday, February 24th and 25th, and also on the Thursday afternoon of the J. C. 'Williamson New Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, will doubtless bo read with much ploasuro by playgoers. The opening Opera will bo tho exquisite and inspiring work of the famous collaborators “Tho Gondoliers.” On Thursday afternoon the magnificent Comic Opera “lolanthe” will- bo staged. On Thursday evening, the whimsical comic opera “The Mikado,” will be tho farewell presentation. It has been claimed by tho press of Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington, that the latest J. C. Williamson Company is the best and most powerful company of musical artists, singers, and comedians that has ever appeared in the Gilbert and Sullivan Oporas in Australia or New Zealand, and this opinion has been backed up by the fact that never before have they been enjoyed by larger audiences. Mr. Ivan Mcnzies (comedian), Mr Gregory Stroud (baritone) and Miss Evelyn Gardiner (contralto), three of tho principal members of tho London B’Oylcy Carto Savoy Theatre Company, were specially engaged for the' present tour, and they aro regarded as being three of the finest comic opgra artists who have ever visitod Australia and New Zealand. Other artists who will appear hero and who have greatly assisted in the phenomenal successes which havo been won by the works of the beloved collaborators, arc Miss Marie Bremner, who last toured New Zealand as principal artist with “The Desert Song,” Leo Bamton (tonor), who last year delighted playgoers in “Tho New Moon,” Bernard Manning, talented Gilbert and Sullivan artist, Miss Mary Kothnm (contralto), Miss Maisie Ramsay (soprano) and Mr John Ralston (bass). A feature of each opera will be the brilliant work of tho specially selected chorus and ballet, and a full operatic orchestra under the baton of Mr. Gustave Slapoffski. The box plans for “The Gondoliors,” “Tho Mikado,” and “lolanthe” are open at the Central Booking Office on Monday. Special arrangements have been made for country clients.