J. C. Williamson Opera Coy

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 64, 17 March 1936, Page 8

J. C. Williamson Opera Coy

IN GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of next week the J. C. Williamson Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will present "The Gondoliers” and "The Yeomen of the Guard” respectively at the Opera House, Palmerston North. On Wednesday afternoon there will be a matinee performance of ‘ 'The Mikado.”

The Savoy operas are not merely evergreen; they are as well assured of immortality •as any work of art can be in a changing world. At a time when America and the Continent have almost taken charge of tho light operatic stage and native English liumoui is said to bo languishing in the theatre, Gilbert and Sullivan is more appreciated and enjoyed than ever. A Savoy company sent to the United States for tho first time last year was received with tumultuous acclaim, and after many weeks New Yorkers could hardly bear to let it go. The gramophone and the radio have spread Sullivan’s lilting airs ever more widely year after year, and have prepared countless thousands for the operas themselves whenever there is an opportunity to hear them. New Zealanders arc behind no one in their lotalty to these classics of melody, humour and satire. Every five years or so J. C. Williamson, Ltd., sends an accredited company of high standing on a tour of Australia and New Zealand. Thousands of Gilbert and Sullivan devotees ardently look forward to its coming, and each visits makes new converts among the younger folk. Plans for the Palmerston North season will be opened at Collinson and Cunninghame’s, Ltd., next Friday morning.