"GONDOLIERS" TO-NIGHT

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 365, 5 March 1932, Page 25 (Supplement)

"GONDOLIERS" TO-NIGHT

To-night at the Theatre Royal, commencing at S o’clock, J. C. Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company will present a brilliant represer.tation of the popular comic opera “The Gondoliers,” in which they achieved one of their greatest triumphs during t'heir r*ecent successful seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington. “The Gondoliers,” with its delicious melodies, its charming musical numbers, its brilliantly clever dialogue, its original humour, its picturesque settings and its elaborate costumes and dresses is probably one of thte best results that happened during the collaboration of Sir Arthur Sullivan and Sir W. S. Gilbert. The remarkable success won by the opera in Sydney was duo to a large extent to the fact that the Williamson Ltd. management had been fortunate in their selection of artists, the organisation being compared more than favourably with any previous company that has appeared in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas in Australia. Mr Ivan Menzies, who will make his first appearance herta this evening was acclaimed as the best comedian Sydney has enjoyed for many a day, and Gregory Stroud, a young English baritone and Miss Evelyn Gardiner, a delightful contralto, from the Savoy Theatre, will also make their debut this ■evening. Miss Marie Bremner, Mr John Ralston, Mr Leo Darnton and Mr Bernard Manning have previously delighted us in a number of musical success, and Miss Maisie Ramsay and Miss Mary Motham are two charming young Australian singers who will take important roles in this evening’s production of The Gondoliers.” A feature of the production is the magnificent work ol? the chorus and ballet, and a full operatic orchestra is under the 'baton of Mr Gustave Slapoffski. Mr John Farrell, who has accompanied the company throughout the tour, will manage the season, and the stage management is in the hands of Mr Dick Sliortland, who lias acted in that capacity for a great many Gilbert and Sullivan companies.