GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19146, 1 November 1927, Page 13

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON.

"RUDDIGORB" TO-NIGHT. Judging by the advance booking (which has been heavy for the whole soason of Gilbert and Sullivan opera), "Ruddigore," one of the most charming though least known of the works of the inimitable collaborators, will bo seen by a large audience when it i? presented at the Theatre Ptoya! to-night. !■ mirks an event in New Zealand's theatrical history, for this is the iirst time that it has been played by a J. C. Williamson company. "Kuddigore" is a difficult and costly production. The .-cr-nery and mountings are said to be beautiful, and the dressing on a magnificent scale. Other outstanding features. are the beautiful music and clever humorous dialogue. Because of his intimate knowledge of Knglish productions of the comic operas in which he has appeared. Mr James Hay was selected to produce "Kuddigore" iii Australia and New Zealand. Mr Hay has spent many years in England, returning to Australia from time to time for Gilbert and .Sullivan productions. He has put his best work into the opera, and with a highly capable company, which includes such talented and popular artists as Strolla Wilson, Patti Russell, Winifred Williamson. Charles Walenn, John Kalston, Bernard Manning, small wonder is it lhat complete success has been attained. The plot of "Kuddigore." as is customary with Gilbert and Sullivan productions, is an extravagant one, and the whole opera is a skit on the "blood and thunder" melodrama of the past. A specially selected orchestra will be under the conductorship of Mr Gustavo Slapoffski, the well-known musical director of Gilbert and .Sullivan operas, and tho chorus is one of the largest ever brought to the Dominion. "Ruddigore" will he played for only three nights (with a matiuee to-morrow). It will be followed by the production in rapid sequence of the following Gilbert and Sullivan favourites:—Friday, "Mikado"; Saturday (and matinee), "Patience"; Monday, "Yeoman of the Guard"; Tuesday, October '2sth, "lolantbc"; Wednesday, October 26th (and matinee), "Gondoliers"; Thursday, October 27th, "Pinafore"; Friday, October 28 Hi, "Princess Ida"; Saturday, October •J!)th' (and matinee). "Pirates of Penzance." This is a musical bouquet rarely presented, and should be appreciated to the full by all lovers of good mnsic and witty dialogue.