HIS MAJESTY’S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1289, 7 January 1915, Page 34

HIS MAJESTY’S.

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON. POPULAR REVIVALS. Lovers of the quaint Gilbertian dialogue and the melodious Sullivan music are familiarising themselves gladly with the repertoire presented by the J. C. Williamson Company. The favourite “Gondoliers” was replaced last Thursday by “The Yeomen of the Guard,” with Mr. Charles R. Walenn as Jack Point. Mr. Walenn, in his portrait of the jester, showed that comedy and tragedy go hand in hand, and gave telling evidence of his skill in drawing Gilbertian characters. Miss Pearl Ladd took full advantage of her opportunities as Elsie Maynard, acting and singing with nice understanding. Miss Katie May as Phoebe Meryll marked her part with charming vivacity. Mr. Albert Kavanagh as the gaoler, and Mr. Edward McKeown as the gallant Colonel Fairfax lent the necessary atmosphere in the presentment of their respective roles.

The ever-popular “Mikado” went up on Monday, and delighted a large audience. First produced in 1885, no opera has been played more frequently, and every rising amateur company has included it in its repertoire. Mr. Charles Walenn was cast as Koko, a part he has played hundreds of times, and which he treats on broad comedy lines. Mr. Walenn gave a finished study of the role, in spite of the license he allowed himself, and his rollicking interpretation conveyed itself to his colleagues, the house rocking with laughter and applause. His “Tit-Willow” song called forth a triple encore. Mr. Edward McKeown made a handsome NankiPoo, singing with admirable ease and effect, and evoking warm admiration for his rendering of “A Wandering Minstrel I.” Mr. Frank Wilson was strikingly true to the Gilbertian traditions in his drawing of the Mikado, while Mr. C. Villiers Arnold made an artistic success of the part of PishTush. Three alluring wards were disclosed in Miss Gladys Moncrieff, Miss Katie May and Miss Maud Miles, Miss Moncrieff meeting with an encorious reception for her charming rendering of “The Sun Whose Rays.” Mr. Albert Kavanagh gave due pomposity to the part of Pooh-Bah, while Miss Ethel Morrison as the rejected Katisha struck the right note. The choruses were particularly sprightly and were an attractive feature of the production.

The “Mikado” will be replaced on Friday by “H.M.S. Pinafore,” and “Trial by Jury,” and will hold the boards till January 13, when “Pirates of Penzance” will be produced for two nights. The season closes on January 15 and 16 with “lolanthe.”