SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1489, 7 November 1918, Page 27

SOUTHERN STAGE NOTES.

(By

“Lorgnette.”)

WELLINGTON, November 4. The Wellington Amateur Operatic Society opened its seven nights’ season of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera “The Gondoliers” at the Grand Opera House last Saturday evening. The theatre was packed to the doors with a most enthusiastic audience. A special feature was the fine work done by the Trentham Camp orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr. F. Thomas. The chorus also excelled themselves, working in direct harmony with principals and orchestra. Indeed, the production was a genuine treat, and speaks volumes for the tact displayed by Mr. Tom Pollard in bringing the performers out of their shells and giving of their very best. The opera is magnificently dressed and mounted. A popular item is the dancing of a beautiful gavotte and the sparkling Spanish cachuca. The cast is one of the strongest yet got together by the society, which is saying a great deal, seeing that they have already staged “The Geisha,”

“San Toy,” “Paul Jones,” “Les Cloches de Corneville,” and “La Mascotte.” “The Gondoliers” not only calls for a higher musical culture than any of the above, but its subtle and witty dialogue makes a greater demand upon the intellect of the players entrusted with the leading parts than is the case in English musical comedy and French light opera. Mr. Zante Wood gave a very fine performance of the part of the Duke of Plaza Toro. Miss Helen G'ard’ner was quite at home as Gianetta, singing and acting in a refreshing manner. Miss Dorothy Cameron, as Casilda, is the possessor of a very fine soprano voice, and did full justice to the music allotted her. She also acted with great dash. Mrs. Dallas, as the Duchess, displayed a contralto voice of unusual brilliance, and scored a great success. Mrs. Bathie HowieStuart’s Tessa was a strong feature of the performance. Mr. Fred Twiss, as Guiseppe,’has a fine baritone vqice which he used to the utmost advantage. Mr. Trevor Forrest was excellent as the Grand Inquisitor. Mr. Charles Moore, as Luiz, sang and acted in finished style. Mr. Herbert F. Wood, as Marco, made masterly use of his tenor voice and also acted splendidly. The other characters were all ably filled. The season should be a record one for the society. The “front of the house” is still looked after by Mr. E. R. Vance, hon. secretary, and Mr. W. Fraser, hon. treasurer.

The Royal Choral Union gave a very fine performance of Gounod’s “Faust” in the Town Hall last Wednesday. The cast of soloists included Madame Elsie Davies, the Italian prima donna, as Margarita; Mr. Ernest Drake, as Faust; Mrs. F. P. Wilson, as Siebel; Mr. Hamilton Hodges, as Mephisto; Mr. Frank Charlton, as Valentine; and Mr. F. W. Laycock, as Wagner. Mr. Robert Parker conducted in his usual masterly style.