"THE GONDOLIERS."

Otago Witness, Issue 2985, 31 May 1911, Page 69

"THE GONDOLIERS."

The Dunedin Operatic and " Musical Society, assisted by the Kaikoraji Band, having very generously come forward with an offer to give three performances of "The Gondoliers" for the benefit of the Hospital extension fund, the Collection Committee gladly accepted the proferired help, and the first of the performances was given in His Majesty's Theatre last night. It is pleasing to be able to state that the attendance, both upstairs and downstairs, was very good. The price of the tickets had been fixed at a moderate sum, and not only members of the society, but members of the committee and many friends, have for several weeks past been most assiduov in disposing of them. Encouraging hor.i a.re, therefore, pretty well assured for th brief season. It will be some days before the returns are all in, but the money already in the hands of the committee should be augmented by no small amount through the kindly action of th© society. A further addition will be made by last night's sale of confectionery which was carried on by nurses from the Hospital, who appeared to find a ready market in the inteirvals. Of the performance, in view of its production only a few weeks ago, little ne-jd be said. Everybody appreciated it. Sufficient evidence of this was forthcoming' in the frequency of the encores, and if more is required, it is furnished in the number of floral bouquets presented to the principal ladies for their vocal efforts. The vocalists, knowing they were singing in a good cause, sang their beet, and all the others assisting exerted themselves to the utmost, with the result that the play went merrily from ttart to finish. The cast of characters was js follows: —The Duke of Plaza Toro, Mr Phil Barling (grandee -jf Spain); Luiz (his attendant), Mr Coim Gray; Den Alhambra del Bolero, Mr Percy James (Grand Inquisitor); Marco Palmierj, Mr Charles Umbers; Palrmen, Mr Arthur Gard'ner; Antonio, Mr W. S. Ferguson; Francesco, Mr Crofton Umbers; Giorgio, Mr Guy Muwro; Annibale, Mr J. S. Sinclair (Venetian Gondoliers); the Duchess of Plaza Toro, Mrs Martin ell 1Reggiardo; Casilda (her daughter), Miss Vida Waters; Gianetta, Miss Violet Fraser; Tessa, Miss Helen Gard'ner; Fiamietta, Miss M. d'Arcy Davidson; Vittoria, Miss G. Wilson; Guilia, Miss Doris d'Arcy Davidson; Inez (the King's fester mother). Mrs Valentine. Mr J. Oliver, a Dunedin artist, was the recipient of many praises for his excellent work in the scenic setting, and Mr Percy James, as stage manager, saw that everything was in order in his department. An efficient orchestra was conducted by Mr G. B. Laidlaw.