Gilbert and Sullivan Coy.

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 66, 19 March 1936, Page 8

Gilbert and Sullivan Coy.

PLANS OPEN TO-MORROW. Plans will be opened to-morrow morning at Collinsou and Cunninghame, Ltd., for the J. C. Williamson productions of “The Gondoliers,” ‘‘The Mikado" and “The Yeomen of the Guard,” which will be presented at the Opera House next Tuesday night, Wednesday afternoon and night, respectively. Savoyards throughout the Englishspeaking world are invariably thrilled by the prospect of hearing yet another presentation of the immortal works, or some of them. It is just another of those Gilbertian situations that nowadays there aro millions more of these devoted nationals outside the borders of Savoy than in the region itself. Mr Ivan Menzies has so come to embody the comic spirit of Gilbert and Sullivan for New Zealand audiences that it seems altogether appropriate that he should make his bow on this occasion after stepping ashore in the role of that very celebrated diplomat, the Duke of Plaza-Toro. Gorgeously attired, this ambassador of delightful nonsense quips and skips through Barataria and Venice, turning things upside down with the merriest impudence till pompous dignity is ridiculous and humbug candor itself. Other artists returning are Evelyn Gardiner, the Duchess, and (Gregory Stroud, as Guiseppe. Winifred Lawson and Godfrey Stirling, principal soprano and tenor respectively, come with a big reputation from the D’Oyly Carte company. Richard Watson, an Australian basso, will be heard for the first timo hero.