THE GONDOLIERS.

Wairarapa Age, 8 May 1924, Page 4

THE GONDOLIERS.

BY MASTERTON THEATRICALS. FOR COMING SEASON. A general meeting of members of the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society last night decided to produce during the coming season, Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera “The Gondoliers. ’ ’

Mr W. S. Jago, who presided, stated that the wardrobe and dresses would bo available from the Auckland Society. The Society hail also arranged for Mr Rosewarne, who has recently arrived from Napier, and who has produced the opera before, to stage manage the production, and Mr Horace Hunt. Mus. Bac., of Wellington, had been engaged as musical director.

.“The Gondoliers,” which was one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s early works, is a sparkling opera with a very pretty musical score. The setting is Venice, 1750, and the plot concerns tne King of Barataria. His identity is not disclosed in the first act, and two fishermen jointly assume the Royal position until the rightful king is found. The cast is a broad one and calls for some good voices, especially by the male artists. The chorus comprising Gondoliers, Contadini, men-at-arms, heralds and pages, has ample work to do, the music being bright and catchy. In the first act the chorus are attired in the garb of the Italian peasantry, but the second act lends itself to fine costuming court robes being worn by the whole company. The scores are being imported from Australia, and no time will be lost in getting down to work, tne ffrst practice being called for Wednesday night nevt in St. Matthew’s schoolroom. The opera will be produced in Masterton early in September.