HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1536, 2 October 1919, Page 36

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“THE GONDOLIERS.” HIGH STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. The Auckland Amateur OperaticSociety has launched itself most suc- ' \pessfully on the sea of popularity with its opening production, “The Gondoliers,” . enthusiastic audiences at His Majesty’s Theatre showing their appreciation of the local presentation of one of the brightest of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The piece runs with a crispness and smoothness worthy of a professional performance, the deus ex machina being Mr. Tom Pollard, who was specially engaged to give the veneering touches. The staging, as might be expected when that experienced veteran takes things in hand, is capital, and the colour scheme and groupings are most artistic, while the performers at his inspiration appear to have thoroughly absorbed the Gilbertian idea. That the acme of excellence is also reached in the orchestral and chorus work is due to Mr. Colin Muston, L.R.A.M., whose masterly control is apparent. It is admitted on all sides that the choruses have not been excelled in any previous local production. The part of Casilda is entrusted to Miss Madge Higgins (formerly of Napier), whose sweet soprano voice is of captivating charm. Mrs. Patrick Cole makes a fascinating picture as Gianetta, revealing true dramatic instinct both in hei’ singing and acting. Miss Myrtle Burns is bright and animated in the role of Tessa. Miss Muriel Barr is graceful and imperious as the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, and her solo in the second act is effectively handled. Mr. George Warren, who can always be looked .upon for a polished interpretation of any role he essays, is admirably placed as the Duke of Plaza-Toro, the librettists’ perception of the character being subtly and artistically suggested by him. Notably is this the case in the gavotte incident. The part of the Inquisitor is carried through with much skill by Mr. F. E. de Guerrier, who traces it in with the correct blending of dignity and drollery. Mr. Clif Crowther is undeniably good as Giuseppe, the Gondolier, giving his lines full value and acting up to the spirit of his role. Marco, his fellow Gondolier, is also happily cast in Mr. Norman Kent, who is heard very plaesingly in the solo “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes.” Mr. Robert Geddes gives a good account of himself as Luiz. Miss K. Wood as Inez, the King's foster mother, puts significance into her few lines. An outstanding feature is the cachuca danced by the full chorus and principals, and super-

intended by Miss Nita Webster. Deafening applause greets this item, which invariably has to be repeated. The dresses in the production were designed by Mr. W. J. Crowther after the original Savoy models. “The Gondoliers” will be played each evening this week. Its artistic success, let alone the financial side, stands as an amateur record, and must be distinctly encouraging to the revivers of the society.