"MIKADO" TO-NIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 368, 9 March 1932, Page 3

"MIKADO" TO-NIGHT.

There was a large attendance at the Theatre Royal last night, when •• The Gondoliers ” was repeated. This evening, at eight o'clock, also tomorrow night, the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company will stage performances c-f everybody’s favourite comic opera. “ The Mikado,” which is regarded as being one of the present company’s finest all-round representations. Authorities are divided on the question of which is the most popular of the Gilbert and Sullivan series, but it is certain that, were it possible to have a plebiscite taken to decide this question, ” The Mikado ” would undoubtedly be one of those to secure a largo number of votes. Gilbert's wit is shown at -its best in the whimsical Japanese opera, and in it Sullivan shows himself to be a musical satirist of outstanding cleverness, satisfying all musical preferences *‘ from Bach to Offenbach.” It is not too much to say that no artistic education can be considered complete without a knowledge of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. They do more than amuse, and probably “ The Mikado ” is one of the most entertaining. It is packed with brilliantly clever musical numbers. The characters will be presented by the full strength of the company, including Ivan Menzies as Ko Ko, in which this talented young comedian has scored one of his best successes; Leo Darnton as Nanki Poo; Mr Gregory Stroud as Pish Tush; John Ralston in his original characterisation of Pooh Bah; Mr Bernard Manning as the Mikado of Japan, in which character he has delighted us on former occasions; Evelyn Gardiner as Katisha, in which she has appeared with success in England; Miss Marie Bremner as Yum Yum, in which her singing of ” The Moon and I ” is one of the features of the opera; and Miss Hotham as Pitti Sing. A feature of the opera is the brilliant work of the chorus On Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday afternoon, “ lolanthe ” will be staged, and on Monday and Tuesday next ” The Pirates of Penzance ” will be revived. During the season will also be produced “ The Yeomen of the

Guard, ’ “ H.M.S. Pinafore ” and “ Patience.*’ In order to give those who were disappointed in obtaining seats for The Gondoliers,” an opportunity to enjoy & performance of this popular opera, a grand farewell representation of it will be staged on Tuesday, March