“THE LILAC DOMINO.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18465, 28 January 1922, Page 6

“THE LILAC DOMINO.”

SEASON OPENS TO-NIGHT. It is not surprising that “The Lilao Domino” had a run of three years in London, as it is one of the best musical plays produced since the war. Play-goers will welcome in it a return to the higher standard which preceded the era ot frivolous rag-time tunes allied with farcical librettos which were largely the outcome of postwar hysteria. They will note in this work, moiteover, improvements on. the higher standard referred to. "Ihe Lilao Domino” is replete with surprises. Opening scenes of revelry and inconsequential, albeit clever, humour lead skilfully up to a climax in the second act which develops into dramatic opera of a high class, both us regards music and situation. The finale to this act is a fine achievement on the part of the composer, who, not content with one recurring theme, repeats most of the airs that have gone before in a vocal ensemble which has a most stirring effect The whole score is made up of haunting melodies, written in varying _ but always invigorating tempos. The music has a lilting effect; it; rouses the listener out of himself, and though much of it is sheer tunefulness, much more of it is operatic. There is a duet just before the finale in the second act which is a gem, richly scored and difficult in its complexities, another toward the end of the first art which is scarcely less beaiutiuil, and through the entire work runs the inciting air from which the piece is named. well sung and magnificently staged, ‘‘The Lilao Domino,” as presented bv the J. C. Williamson Opera Company to crowded audiences, has made a pronounced hit. The work’of the chorus and orchestra, under Mr Cass Downing is excellent, and tho whole production is a sparjding and vivacious one. It is set in a glittering scenic frame, and the costumes are handsome to a degree. 'The Lilao Domino” will complete its run on Thursday night next and an Friday, February 3, “Firefly,” the exhilarating comic opera by the same author and composer, of the brilliant snoortsses, “Katinka” and ’“You’re in Love” will commence a five nights’ run. The boat plane for the full season whirh includes both productions are jar*’’ ft; nisibie at tbe