"THE GONDOLIERS"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22349, 21 February 1936, Page 14

"THE GONDOLIERS"

A SUCCESSFUL SEASON One of the most popular of the Savoy operas, "The Gondoliers," is enjoying a successful season at His Majesty's Theatre under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Limited. Full of the witty songs and tuneful lyrics upon which.the fame of Gilbert and Sullivan rests "The Gondoliers" is ono of the lightest and merriest of the series of operas. The settings are picturesque and tlio comedy, headed by the breezy personality ol the Duke of Plaza Toro, is a sample of the best of which Gilbert was capable. Three more performances of "The Gondoliers" will be given, tonight, to-morrow afternoon and tomorrow night. On Monday and Tuesday nights, with a matinee on "Wednesday. "The Pirates of Penzance" will be submitted. A delightful and witty opera, it has an American interest, being the only ono of the Gilbert and Sullivan series to have made its true premiere in the United States. It is interesting to note that "Trial by Jury," which is staged with "The Pirates of Penzance," ran for nine months when it was first produced in London in 1875. It was the first opera in which Gilbert and Sullivan collaborated. Sullivan was then 33 years of age and Gilbert was six years his senior. "The Pirates ol Pem.ance" made its first appearance before the public in 1880. "The Yeoman of the Guard," the third opera to be presented during the present season, will commence next Wednesday night and will conclude the following Saturday evening. Booking arrangements are advertised.