J. C. WILLIAMSON, LTD.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19139, 24 October 1927, Page 5

J. C. WILLIAMSON, LTD.

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERAS The coming of the specially-organised J. C. Williamson Comic Opera Company to appear in an attractive repertoire of Gilbert and Sullivan productions at the Theatre Royal may be looked upon as a musical event of considerable importance, for the reason that for tuneful melodies, witty dialogue, and humour of the beßt and brightest, the wondcrfut oporatic creations of those two great men stand alone. Another reason for the general interest is that the first production (on Tuesday, November Ist) will be "Ruddigoro," described by many as one of tho most enjoyable- operas of the series, and now played for tho first time in New Zealand, when "Kuddigore" was revived in London it created a great sensation, and was considered oqunl in every respect to tho other operaß •with -which theatregoers are more familiar. It is really a travesty on the lurid melodrama of tho last century, and both Gilbert andflSullivan revelled in tho task of holding up to ridicule tho plays full of dark deeds and love scenes. Gilbert h-as many jibes at the customs of the day, and it is said that his merry quips and Batirical sayings have a strange appropriateness today. The music is bright and tuneful throughout. This and other operas to be produced will bo presented by a combination including such stars as James Hay (who takes the loading tenor role, and is also responsible for the production of tho opera), Charles Walcnn, John Ralston, Bernard Manning, Strella WilsTSn (whose beautiful BOprano voice will bo remembered by New Zealand theatregoers), Patti Russell, Winifred Williamson, and other favourites. "Ruddigoro" will be. staged for three nights and a matinee, and will bo followed in quick succession by "The Mikado," "Patience," "Yeomon of the Guard," "lolantho," "The Gondoliers," "Pinafore," "Princess Ida," and "Pirates of Penzance." The prices are as usual, and tho box plans for tho season will open at Tho IJristol on Friday morning.