THE GONDOLIERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22612, 28 December 1936, Page 12

THE GONDOLIERS

SEASON BEGINS TO-NIGHT At His Majesty's Theatre to-night the J. C. Williamson, Limited, Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company, numbering 100 people, will begin a brief season in a gala production of the entrancing comic opera, " The Gondoliers," which is probably the most popular of the works of the famous collaborators. Special interest lias been invested in this evening's performance, because it will mark the reappearance of the operatic singer, Miss Strella Wilson, who was the heroine in the spectacular production of " The Vagabond King." Miss Wilson is the possessor of a voice of exceptional range and quality, and the part of Casilda in " The Gondoliers " presents her at her best as a singer and an actress. Mr. Ivan Meazics is an outstandingly fine Gilbertian comedian, and will appear in the role of the Duke of Plaza Toro. Mr. Godfrey Stirling's fine tenor voice should be heard at its best in the popular number, " Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes." He is said to invest the role of Marco with great dash and zest. Mr. Gregory Stroud, the baritone singer, appears in the part of Guiscppe. Mr. Richard Watson, who is the possessor of a rich basso voice, is the Grand Inquisitor. Miss Evelyn Hall, who will make her debut in Auckland, created a great impression when she recently appeared in Sydney as the Duchess of Plaza Toro, a part she will portray in to-night's production. The company includes two talented young Australian artists in Miss Helen Langton (soprano) and M iss Eileen Kelly (mezzo), and they. too. arc at their best as Gianetta and Tessa in the Venetian opera. Others in the cast are Clifford Cowley, Vincent MeMurray and Valarie Walshe. The company includes a full operatic orchestra and chorus, also a talented Australian ballet. Only two evening performances can be staged of " The Gondoliers," and it will also be revived 011 Saturday afternoon. On Wednesday and Thursday nights and Wednesday afternoon " Princess Ida " will be produced, and 011 Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday afternoon " The Mikado " will be performed. On Monday night next " Rtiddigore " will be presented.