“THE YEOMEN.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 375, 17 March 1932, Page 3

“THE YEOMEN.”

Fine Presentation at Theatre Royal. GREAT HEIGHTS REACHED. Sympathy is a powerful emotion. Perhaps that is why “The Yeomen of the Guard ” is generally classed as the greatest work of that great pair, Gilbert and Sullivan, and that is perhaps the reason for the deeper value of the music of the piece and the stronger attraction of the story. In this opera Gilbert settled down to realities, and treated them in a manner entirely different from Ills wont. The light and aazzling brushwork of satire and fantasy gave way to the strong, clear lines of sympathy. The picture lacks the scintillating cleverness, but its portrayal j S stronger and more clear. The vital leaven of humour is introduced in masterly fashion, so that, paradoxically enough, it relieves the sadness of the story and yet lifts up the general effect. in this opera there are the conflicting love interests of Colonel Fairfax, Jack Point and Phoebe Meryll. Fairfax’s happiness spells tragedy for Jack and Phoebe, and Gilbert does hot juggle with their emotions for the mere achievement of a happy ending all round. The result has been termed tragi-eomedy, and the polyglot word provides a fair description. Yet it is not entirely adequate, for the opera could be styled a musical romance without injustice, purely on account of Fairlax s dramatic rescue, and the pretty love story -woven therein. SuHivan has matched his mood to that of Gilbert with that uncanny perfection of co-operation which marks the i • v. le of thei ’r concerted work. "With a higher plane to work upon, he lifted the story with settings which, in places, reveal a wonderful depth of genius. The claim that “The Yeomen” is almost up to grand opera standard musically is not fantastic in the slightest. Last night’s presentation at the Theatre Royal by the J. C. Williamson Company realised every thrilled anticipaV le Preceding operas have given Christchurch audiences the assurance that there is a wealth of talent in the company, and, further, that there is an all-round strength which precludes the possibility of the slightest lapse. The chorus work was stronger than ever, a , n fi "t* l6 principals, well cast, gave of their very best.

Perhaps the most pleasing item of the whole evening was the masterly performance of Ivan Menzies as Jack Point. In -previous shows Mr Menzies has taken liberties with the libretto which earned him some censure; but the

most critical Gilbert enthusiast in the audience could find no fault with his performance last evening. The part is a great one, perhaps the greatest part m a musical work outside grand opera. Many authors and playwrights have developed the theme of the jester who, with a breaking heart, has had to be merry to earn his bread and butter, but there are few who have come near the perfection with which Gilbert invested his role. The best tribute possible is to say that Mr Menzies gave the audience Jack Point as Gilbert conceived him. The actor’s diction was without fault, his singing pleasing, his appreciation of the humour of the part delicate and wholly delightful. In the theme song “ I Have a Song to Sing, O” he and Maisie Ramsay reached great heights. Mr Menzies scored a success in all his other numbers, notably “ I’ll Jibe and Joke ”, “ Oh, a Private Buffoon is a Light-hearted Loon ”, and with John Ralston in “ Hereupon We're Both Agreed ”.

The parts of Elsie and Phoebe were played with eminent success by Maisie Ramsay and Mary Hotham. Hiss Hotham had a chance last night to cap off a series of good performances, and her acting and singing were all that could be desired. She had the hard task of introducing the opera with the solo

“When Maiden Loves She Sits and Sighs ”, and she managed the song to perfection. Miss Ramsay’s fine voice again provided one of the features of the entertainment, her singing of “ ’Tis Done, I am a Bride ”, and her work in the concerted numbers being splendidly done.

As Fairfax, Leo Darnton gave his finest performance to date, his singing, especially, being of his best. The wonderful ballad, “Is Life a Boon?” was sung with fine intonation and qualitj’, and he crowned his performance with an outstanding rendition of " Free From His Fetters Grim ”.

John Ralston again earned round after round of applause. He is a wonderful type, each opera offering a part which, one could readily imagine, was written for him. As Wilfred Shadbolt, the 7iead gaoler, he played with humour and artistry, and his scenes with Mary Hotham and Ivan Menzies were superb. Another player to sing and act in accordance with the best tradition was Evelyn Gardiner, whose fine contralto had several good chances in the part of Dame Carruthers.

Bernard Manning played Sergeant Meryll, and as well as handling his part excellently, he was a tower of strength in the concerted numbers, while the part of the son, Leonard Meryll, was well played by Tom Broderick. The staging and the work of orchestra and chorus was well worthy of the notable occasion, and altogether the performance must rank as the best Gilbert and Sullivan presentation that Christchurch has seen for some years. To-night Marie Bremner will appear as Elsie Maynard, a part she interpreted with great success in Australia, and in Wellington recently. Her rendering of the soprano number, “ ’Tis Done, I am a Bride ”, was the occasion for much enthusiasm. Miss Bremner is undoubtedly a delightful actress, and in “ The Yeomen ” she'receives outstanding opportunities to display her histrionic capacity. "THE MIKADO." To-morrow night J. C. Williamson’s Gilbert and Sullivan company will stage a special additional production of the whimsical and very tuneful comic opera, “ The Mikado.” which a large number of people were unable to witness last week owing to the large demand for seats. The Japanese opera is packed with good musical numbers and exquisite melodies, and its humour is one of its features. Mr Ivan Menzies, as Ko Ko, is a host in himself, and in this part he displays to the fullest his genius for provoking healthy laughter. Miss Marie Bremner is also fine as Yum Yum, her singing of “ The Moon and I ” being one of the features of the opera. Messrs John Ralston, Leo Darnton, Gregory Stroud, Bernard Manning, Miss Evelyn Gardiner and Mary Hotham are all well cast, and altogether “The Mikado” is one of the most satisfying of the Gilbert and Sullivan series. On Saturday afternoon and evening “H.M.S. Pinafore,” preceded by “Cox and Box,” will be staged, and on Monday afternoon and evening “ Patience ’ will be produced. The season will close on Tuesday night, when a grand farewell gala performance of “ The Gondoliers ” will be presented.