J. C. Williamson’s Company

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 14, 18 January 1937, Page 3

J. C. Williamson’s Company

TO-NIGHT “LILAC TIME’ ’ TO-MORROW “PAUL JONES” This evening beginning at 8 o’clock the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company, numbering over 100 artists, headed by Ivan Menzies, will appear in a superb reproduction of Franz Schubert’s glorious musical romanco * ‘ Lilac Time,” tho revival of which created a perfect furore of enthusiasm recently in Auckland where 'it attracted such large audiences that its season had to be considerably extended. Ivan Menzies is tremendously popular with local playgoers, and he is certain of a royal welcome when he appears in the character of Franz Schubert. He gave us a taste of his high qualities as a remarkably humorous comedian in a series of Uilbertian roles, and he was particularly fine as Jack Point in “The Yeomen of the Guard.” Critics, however, have stated that ho has reached the zenith of his artistry iu his lifelike portrait of the lovable Schubert. Miss Helen Langtou has proved to us on former occasions that she must be ranked with the finest soprano singers we have ever injoyed in light opera, and those who remember her brilliant artistry in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, will not be surprised to know that she has achieved an outstanding triumph in the role of Lilli in Schubert’s charming opera. Gregory Stroud, the distinguished Gilbert and Sullivan baritone, is, it is said, heard and seen at his best as Baron von Schober, and Messrs Richard Watson (basso) and Bernard Manning both have very congenial characters in Count Scharntorff and Christian Veit respectively. Miss Evelyn Hall, a brilliant young contralto, will make her debut here to-night in the important part of Mary Veit, and Eileen Ivelly will appear as Demoiselle Flaminetta. Tommy Jay, as Novotny, Vincent McMurray as Moritz, and Clifford Cowley as Johann Michael, create much laughter in these roles. “Lilac Time” is a welcome revival for tho lovers of the type of delightful music and exquisite beauty of romauce in a period far removed from the practical movement of the day. Portraying the lovo story and disappointment of Schubert, it embodies refreshing colour, pleasant vocal treatment, and the score has the magnetic charm of th 9 great composer’s work. The company includes a full grand opera chorus and orchestra, and a clever team of Australian ballet ladies. Box plans are at Collinson and Cunninghame’s “Paul Jones” To-morrow Niglit. When “Paul Jones,” which, is to be staged to-morrow evening, was first staged in London it ran for over three consecutive years, which was a record up to that time, and it also proved an outstanding success in Sydney and Melbourne, where in each city it held the boards for over 20 weeks. It owes its remarkable success and its continued popularity to the fact that it contains the melodious type of music that is always appreciated by lovers of genuine comic opera. It is a colourful and breezy musical play, and it gives the singers, the dancers, the comedians and the artists am abundance of opportunities to display their talents. In the role of Paul Jones, Gregory Stroud has scored an unqualified triumph. As Don Thocadero, Mr. Ivan Menzies has a part which may have been specially created for this brilliantly clover comedian, and in it he creates giuch laughter. As Rufino do Martinez. Mr. Godfrey Sterling, the tenor hero of “The Gondoliers,” has an excellent singing role, and the voice we enjoyed in “Sparkling Eyes” will bo heard to equal advantage in “Paul Jones.” Miss Helen Langton has an excellent role in Yvonne. The comedy in Planquette’s picturesque opera is fa3t and furious, those who greatly assist Ivan Menzies iu tho comedy scenes being Bernard Manning, as Kestrel; Richard Watson, as Bicoquet;

Clifford Cowley, as Bouillabaiss; Tommy Jay, as Petit Pierre, and Eileen Kelly, as Chopinett*