GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21601, 23 March 1932, Page 9

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS

“THE GONDOLIERS” On Friday evening the members of J. C; Williamson’s Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company will arrive from the north, and on Saturday afternoop they will begin their Dunedin season with a representation of the delicious and genuinely humorous comic opera "The Gondoliers,” in which the whole of the new company will make its appearance, , The scenery and effects for “ The Gondoliers ” came to hand early this week, so that everything is in readiness for the opening performance, which promises to be a memorable one. Great interest centres in the initial appearance here of Mr Ivan Menzies (comedian), Mr Gregory Stroud (baritone), and Miss Evelyn Gardiner (contralto), all of whom have appeared in the London production of " The Gondoliers.” Other artists who will be welcomed because of their previous excellent work in important productions in New Zealand are Miss Marie Bremner, Mr Leo Daruton, Mr John Ralston, and Mr Bernard Manning. Miss Maisie Ramsay (soprano) and Miss Mary Hotharn (contralto) are two other artists who will make their first appearance in "The Gondoliers.” The chorus and ballet were selected for the Gilbert and Sullivan Company from over 700 people in Sydney and Melbourne, and the musicians were all personally selected by Mr Slapoffski. Only two evening representations can be staged of “The Gondoliers,’ and two afternoon performances will be presented on Saturday and Monday at 2 o’clock. On Tuesday and the following night' " The Mikado ” will be presented, and a matinee of the Japanese opera will be produced on Tuesday. On Thursday “lolanthe” will occupy the boards for one night. On Friday and Saturday “Yeomen of the Guard” will be revived, with a special matinee on Saturday afternoon, and this will be followed by " The Pirates : of Penzance,” “H.M.S. Pinafore,” and "Patience.”