THE SAVOY OPERAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19416, 26 August 1926, Page 12

THE SAVOY OPERAS.

OPENING OF THE SEASON.

"THE GONDOLIERS" PRESENTED. NOTABLE PRODUCTION GIVEN. When Gilbert penned "The Gondoliers" and Sullivan added the colour with his characteristic music, the most they probably hoped for was that, the joint effort would receive the approval of London. They surely could not have anticipated that, in the far distant and then comparatively little known Antipodes, another generation of playgoers would look forward to a revival of their work with such pleasurable anticipation as to pack a theatre on the opening night 3nd book practically all the reservablo seats in advance. Rut that "happened in Auckland last evening, when "The Gondoliers" was staged by the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company. . There is little cause for wonder that any of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas and "The Gondoliers," in particular, should be accorded such a rapturous reception as that of last evening. Iu the realms of comic opera Gilbert and Sullivan are the acknowledged masters. Punch is' admittedly the most popular of the British humorous papers, and Gilbert does with words what the cartoonnists of Punch do with strokes of tho pen and pencil. His stage folk are caricatures whoso mannerisms and deeds show np tho foibles of the human race. They aro never unkindly caricatures. They aro too rich in fun for that, and the humour is not too deeply subtle, not too obviously broad. Sullivan, with those melodies which never grow old and which seem to become more refreshing as the years pass by, was the ideal partner for Gilbert's wit. A Talented Company. Successive presentations of "The Gondoliers" during the past three decades, render it unnecessary to dwell at any length on the opera itself. So well has it established itself that it is nowmore to the point to look to the artiats who essay its interpretation. It can be said immediately that this new company has set a standard by which future productions will be judged. That was the unanimous verdict of last evening's audience and it is a verdict, with which few would care to disagree. It is possible to study the cast and discuss tho artists in sequence as they appear therein without' doing injustice to any of them. One exception, must, however, be made. » Mr. James Hay as Marpo Palmieri, the gondolier, and partner in the dual monarchy,' must be given pride of mention, if only for one thing, his singing of "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes." It soon became apparent that here was a b&ritono who had not onjy the voice for tho • song, but tho spirit of it. w Full, rich and clear ho told its philosophy to' a delighted audience. Tho.other partner in the monarchy was Mr. Lanco Fairfax. He, too, is possessed of a pleasing voice and manner. Ho was more whimsical than Mr. Hay but nothing could be more humorous, and more absurd, than to see the pair of them sitting on the dual throne assiduously polislung tho emblems of stato. The Duke of Plaza- ; Toro was playod by Mr. Charles A. Warren. He was ideal m his interpretation of the haughty grandee, bankrupt in overything else but dignity. ,

Discrimination Shown. Although Gilbert threw most of the men's work o.n the shoulders of the two gonodoliers, Marco and Guiseppe, he divided the labours on the distaff side fairly evenly. Here, again, keen dis- 1 crimination has been shown by this company in its choice of artists for the four principal characters. Miss Winifred Williamson, who is making a first appearance in New Zealand, has assured herself of a warm place in the affection of Dominion theatregoers by..her ..portrayal of the ultra-haughty Duchess of PlazaToro. The part does not' give her much .opportunity for displaying ' her vocal talents, but she showed that a sweet voice goes with a sweet manner which occasionally peeped through tho cold aristocrat. Casilda, the duke's daughter who hides a deep affection for Luiz, the ''duke's attendant and tho real king, under 'a".' mask of almost overhearing pride, created for herself tho antipathy one has for a snob, so well did she do the part. But the antipathy changed to affection when she accepted the advance of Lui>; and then played with him. Mr.< Leo Darnton was Luiz, and in the parting duet with Casilda they were' both very line. Gty»etta and Tessa, the two contadne, wore typical Gilbert . creations as interpreted by Misses Patti Russell and Mabel Gibson respectively." . . The Chorus Vocally was in keeping with the principals, and the staging was in keeping with the best-traditions of Gilbert and Sullivan and of the producers, <T. G. Williamson, £<td. Mr; Gustave Slapoffski was In charge of the orchestra and to htm must be given credit for his share in « memorable evening . "The Gondoliers" will he presented again this evening and at matinee and evening l performances to-morrow. On Saturday "The Yeoman of the Gusrd' will be staged.