J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMPANY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23108, 6 February 1937, Page 8

J. C. WILLIAMSON'S COMPANY

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS It is 12 months since Dunedin was last visited by a J.C. Williamson, Ltd.. musical attraction, and playgoers will, doubtless be delighted to hear that arrangements have been completed for the Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company to appear here for a season of seven nights only, beginning Majesty's Theatre on Saturday; Feb; ruary 20. with the:: entrancing', and amusing comic opera "The Gondo-; liers." I Despite the brevity of the season, the directors of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., have arranged to present eight of the most popular operas in the company's repertoire. \Positivelyonly_ the one performance, can, be staged .ox "The Gondoliers;' .and it will.be followed 'by " Princess Ida 'on Monday, February 22, "The Mikado'' on,February 23, " lolanthe", on Wednesday afternoon, February 24, "Paul Jones. on Wednesday night, February _24 ." Ruddigore " on-February .25 . The Yeomen of the Guard"'on February, 26, and "Lilac Time" on Saturday afternoon and evening, February 27. Although it is barely 12 months since the company last toured New Zealand, re, cord audiences have fnjoyad„ the performances throughout the North Island This remarkable success is due to the fact that-the ranks,of.thj company . have been . considerably strengthened f bg c the oi^e Wnson^wlwse 3 glorious 'soprano; voice is heard at its best in the principal roles of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Miss Wilson,- on previous occaS has appeared in theories ol the famous collaborators in New Zealand, and she last visited the Dominion as the heroine in the spectacular musical. Play "The Vagabond King.' The leading comedian will again be zies who is popular with playgoers of Dunedin He is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the very best, Giltertian comedian, and playgoers will be glad to welcome him again as the Duke of Plaza Toro. .Another addition to the company .is Miss Evelyn Hall, who was a principal member of the last Grand Opera Company which visited Dunedin. She possesses a rich contralto voice, and she. scored a decided triumph recently in Sydney in the role of the Duchess of Plaza Toro in "The Gondoliers." Other members of the organisation are Gregory Stroud (baritone 8 ). Godfrey Stirling (tenor). Richard Watson (basso), Helen Langton (soprano), Bernard Manning (character comedian). Eileen Kelly (mezzo). Clifford Cowley, Vincent M'Murray, and Tommy Jay. The work of the operatic chorus and orchestra is a feature of each of the operas. The box plans for the season will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday. February 17. '