OUTSTANDING OPERA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22355, 28 February 1936, Page 14

OUTSTANDING OPERA

"YEOMEN OF THE GUARD" Certainly the most dramatic of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, "The Yeomen of the Guard," now at His Majesty's Theatre, has substantia! claims to be the'finest of all. Although filled with the gaiety which has made the series so universally popular. " The Yeomen of the Guard" has its sterner moments. The scenery, set either within a stone's throw of the Tower of London, or inside that building, strikes a sombre hue, and some of the songs are likewise serious in vein. The clmiax is a dramatc triumph and combines a spirit of rejoicing and a deep pathos with masterly effect. The lyrics, especially the delightful "1 Have a Song to Sing 0!" are unequalled save by those of "The Gondoliers " " The Yeomen of the Guard" will be repeated to-night, tomorrow afternoon and to-morrow night. "lolanthe" will commence a brief season on Monday. Delightful make-be-lieve is the keynote of this delicate and beautiful opera, and the Peers, the Fairy Queen, Phyllis, lolanthe herself and the ever amusing Lord High Chancellor are finely drawn, delicate characters that move in the lovely woods in accompaniment to Sullivan's exquisite music. On Wednesday night "The Mikado," the fifth of the Savoy operas to be staged during this season, will be presented. Fifty years have not withered nor innumerable revivals staled its infinite variety. It is still as fresh as when it first appeared in London in 1885 No comic-opera is better known than " The Mikado." Hooking arrangements are advertised.