SAVOY OPERA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22618, 5 January 1937, Page 14

SAVOY OPERA

MELODY AND 3IIBTH "RUDDIGORE" PRESENTED WELL-BALANCED PERFORMANCE Although "Ruddigore" is one of the least known of Gilbert and Sullivan operas the large audience to whom it was presented at His Majesty's Theatre last night found it in the true Savoy tradition and delighted in it accordingly. It is hung on an even more slender thread of narrative than most of the hotter-known pieces, but nevertheless as staged last night it possessed the wealth of melodious music, bright and vivacious chorus work, ingenious nonsense about nothing, and choice harmony of colourful setting that mark the authentic Gilbert and Sullivan. In view of its charming qualities it is surprising that it was not until less than ten years ago that "Ruddigore"' was first introduced to this part of the world. It has been produced here at twice, but still for many in the audience it possessed the added charm of novelty. Some Effective Work The first act. set in the daintiest of little seaports, served to introduce the beautiful village belle. Hose Maybud (M iss Strella Wilson), the young farmer, Robin Oakapple (Mr. Ivan Menziest, who is really the baronet masquerading to escape his ancestors' curse. his sailor foster-brother. Dick Dauntless (Mr. Godfrey Dame Hannah (Miss Evelyn Hall). Mad Margaret (Eileen Kelly) and delightful choruses of villagers, professional bridesmaids and officers. Mr. Menzies and Miss \V ilson had many opportunities, and «ere particularly effective in their duet. "I Know a Youth Who Loves n Little Maid." Mr. Stirling with his hornpipe and the girls' chorus made another very happy contribution to this part. Miss Fileen Kelly's mournful 'song, and the bright chorus with the officers in their brave military uniforms were much to the popular liking and were very cordially received. The Second Act Pitched in a quite different key is the second act in which Robin Oakapple. now forced to accept the part of the wicked baronet and conscientiously commit his serious crime every day, conies face to face with his ancestors, who step out of their portraits on the wall. Two of the outstanding successes of this part, which abounded in "Gilbertian" situations and burlesque of melodrama, were the delightful trio. "My Eyes Are Fully Open to My Awful Situation'' (Miss Kelly, Mr. Richard Watson, and Mr. Menzies) and the haunting duet, " There Grew a Little Flower," between Miss Hal! and Mr. Bernard Manning. Of course, the awful curse which the ancestors have passed on the baronet is happily lifted at the right moment, and various little love affairs that have flitted in and out through the action draw to their appointed consummation. The whole of the cast worked smoothly together to give a well balanced performance and many will regret that '"Ruddigore"' is being presented by the company only once in this season. " Paul Jones " Presentation The company will present Planquette's rollicking comic opera "Paul Jones" to-night, to-morrow afternoon and again to-morrow night. This masterpiece of comic opera is one of the most interesting revivals the firm has presented for many years, as its gentle, flowihg melodies, old-world humour, charm, grace and wit reintroduce that which intrigued theatre-lovers of an earlier age. The libretto was adapted from the French by H. B. Farnie, and the music, written by R. Planquette, typifies the music composed in that period. When it was first performed in New Zealand by the Pollard Opera Company the leading role was portrayed by Miss Maud Beatty, an artist uell known on both the Australian and New Zealand stages. It was subsequently revived by the J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company. That it was just as attractive to play-goers of the present generation is indicated by the fact that its revival by this company in Melbourne. Sydney, Adelaide and Perth created outstanding interest.