WILLIAMSON'S OPERA COMPANY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 61

WILLIAMSON'S OPERA COMPANY.

REVIVAL OF " PATTEK CE."

After a long season, in which the public taste has sometimes found itse>l f scarcely advancing fast enough to keep pace with the developments in musical • comedy, a rettrrn to the charming opera of Gilbert and Sullivan vuidoubtediy comes as truly refreshing to a large section of theatre-goers, :md it was small •wonder that Mr J. C. "Williamson's Repertoire Opera Company had a splendid reception frcin a large audience at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday,, whren a pleasurablyanticipated sea-son was inaugurated with the production- of ''Patience." The choicse of opera was a judicious one, fox it is something like 15 years since " Patience " was produced in Dunedin by one of Mr Williameon's companies, so that * for a considerable number the revival would mean many a pleasant recollection, and fcr others it would come as something agreearbly -new and fresh. To dilate on the qualities of " Palie-nce " al this stage would bo almost -to "take a liberty, "but he must surely behard to please who cannot find a great measure of delight in the delicious satire, wit, and humour -with the accompaniment of ■vvonderfuily adapted and brilliant music that characterise this production by the great crliaboxateurs m opera. A satire on would-bo testfaeticism, " Patience " is a delightful opera from start to finish. The latest of Mr Williamson's companies, one is glad to find, is only calculated to enhance his reputation as ja, theatrical caterer, for "the organisation is obvica.sly a stiong and well-baianced' one ; -and as "for -the -production of "the opera in question, it is -entitled to be spoken of in teams of the iighest praise. The principals are capable vocalists, and. a chorns has been got together tha* it is a true pleasure to listen to, and, indeed,, -the chorus work -was & great feature of €he production of "Patience" on Monday. In the company is included otto member who -was in the cast when ""Pittience " was first introduced here, something over 20 years ago — namely, Mr Howard Vemon. who, in his appearance in his original character of ©unthorne, was 'aocoidod a -most .enthusiastic reception. One can easily understand how Mr Howard Vemon's JBunthorne has not been a thing ifoat could be easily replaced Lapse of years has not marred the completeness o-f a study that has stamped its pourtrayer as a most •finished comedian. Bunthorne once nirae 'last -evening delighted hundreds, and foolishness flowed from him as naturally as h.e moved. Of extravagant -whimsical characters 'Bunihornc is a type not to 'be forgotten ; he is one of the most enjoyable shams ever perpetrated. Mr Howaid "Vernon achieved a genuine success in the recitative " Ani I Alone," followed by thai delightful advice how to act "If you're anxious for to shine," and with Miss Oelia Ghiloni (who impersonated Lady Jane) •was responsible for the greatest Hit of the evening — namely, the duet, "So go to him and say to him," which was pervaded with the spirit of braggadocio, and sung with such humour and animation that a double recall was insisted on. The appearance of Miss Doily Castles in th<= prima donna .rale was looked fonrard to with interest, and the young Australian vocalist highly pleased all with the excellence of her singing, her clear soprano voice having a good body, range, find quality. Her solo, " I canuct tell what ihis love may be." was a capital effort, and svbsequently " Love is a plaintive song " was feelingly sung, the vocalist oarning during the evening .^evera 1 recaPs. Miss Castles, m the popular duet " Piithee, pretty maiden," &ang also with confidence and expression. As an actress Miss Castle-s is bright and animated, but tloes not yel appear to have gained full confidence in hereelf at all times on th© stage, which is nothmsr to l>e wondered at. The Lady Jane of Miss GhTloni is certainly «, feature of the production, and Miss Ghiloni bringb out a delightful retioent sort of humour in the part, which it ia not necessary to say

■she can look perfectly. The spectacle of tht. faithfu. Lad\ Jane trailing after the distiaught apostle of medievalism, Bunthorne, is lo a degree ynrusiug Of the fine solo, ' Sad is that woman's Jot," Miss Ghiloni gnve a "-.•flcri'.s tifit made it one of the best vocal lonliibutions in the opera, and earned hei an imperative re-call Mr Frank Wilson, a? the Colonel, cica'cd an excellent impression, having- a. jrood flexible baritone voice, which he uses veiy well, his song, rr ' "v r hen I first put this uniform on," quickly ingratiating him with thp audience Mr J Ralston acquitted himself lemarkably well as the toomuch admired Aiehibald Grosveuor, and sang to real advantage in the duel " Prithee, pretty rcaiden " and the peculiar song and chorua '" A masrnet him? in a linrd-vvare -,hop." The parts of Lady Angela. Lady Eiia, and Lady Saphir were taken by Miss Aggie Thome, Miss D'Loitie, anci Miss Ruby Arnifi eld respectively, and very vrt>U taken, Mi=s Thome deserving special compliment for her work generally, £m d all three ladies singing well. M-r Charles Kenningham made a 'good Duke of Dunstable, and Mr H. H. Wallace fulfilled all requirements as Major Murgatroycl- Messrs Wilson, "Wallace, and Kenningham made a success of the humorous tiio allotted them, the quintet m the teeor.d act was another entirely acceptable item, and the sestet in the finale to the £rst art was among the best of tlia concerted numbers. As already indicated, tha chorus -work wa? wholly admirable, and from 1 its inception wilh the really beautiful lament, " Twenty love-sick maidens we," it was a, rleasur' to listen to. and a feature of the production. Mr W Ford in the part of Bunthome's Solicitor, completed the cast, and his mn.ke-up was decidedly humorous. The opera was produced "with a thorough completeness as to detail, and on a lavish scale, the most charming stage effects being arrived at in each act. TJndpr the personal sTipervision of Mr Henry Bracy everything -n-ent -with "the Titmost smoothness. Thai audience proved themselves very appreciative, snd recalls were numerous. A very capable oichestra is binder the baton of Mr A. W. Juncker. "Patience"' will give place on Wednesday night to "The Mikado."