“THE GONDOLIERS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 31, 6 February 1941, Page 8

“THE GONDOLIERS”

PICTURESQUE FROCKING One of the most popular and picturesque of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, “The Gondoliers,” opened a brief season at the Opera House last night. That the whimsical humour and merry music met with the approval of the large audience was evidenced by the frequent applause. The delightful scenery provided a harmonious setting for the gay and colourful frocking which included the ever-changing crinoline and panniered styles. Miss Viola Wilson, a newcomer from Scotland, who played the part of Casilda, made her first entrance in-a beautiful frock of white georgette with a front corselet pannier of powder blue taffeta. The bonnet and muff were of the same blue taffeta. Her second gown, also in crinoline style, was of ice-blue taffeta, the hem festooned with silver lace and piped with cherry velvet ribbon. Also worn was a gold lame cloak lined with rose satin and bordered with ermine. Miss Evelyn Gardiner, as the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, was handsomely gowned in forest green and gold horizontally-striped silk for the first scene. With her second gown of cardinal red satin, heavily embroidered with gold thread and sequins, was worn a rose and gold velvet cloak broidered with ermine. As Tessa and Gianette, Miss Sara Gregory and Miss Phyllis Curnow, wore simple pa.nniered frocks, one of cameo pink and the other of duchess blue floral taffeta. The frocks were fashioned with short white georgette sleeves and "aprons" of deep wine embroidered satin. The hood capes were in pink and blue floral taffeta.