"PRINCESS IDA."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19156, 12 November 1927, Page 19

"PRINCESS IDA."

♦ OPERA COMPANY AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. The audience -which filled the Theatre Royal last night, when "Princess Ida," one of the most tuneful and romantic of the Savoy operas, was presented, was much less concerned with the abstract question of the higher education of women than with Sullivan's sparkling music and Gilbert's whimsical wit and satire. It is indeed remarkable how vividly interesting the story has been made, and how the Tennysonian idyll has been made palatable to all tastes. Even in these days, when the theme of the opera admits of no argument, great, pleasure comes from the contemplation of the tremendous flutter that occurred in the dovecotes when it was suggested that possibly women would benefit from a course of study similar to that their men folk undertook. It is, however, the lighter side of the story jthat predominates in the opera, and it provides ample scope for both composer and librettist. The topsey-turveydoni dear to the heart of Gilbert, is provided by the juxtaposition of medievalism and modernism, manifested in the picturesque, but useless ironmongery of Princess Ida's soldier brothers, and the many up to the minute allusions with which the dialogue abounds, as when King Gama, referring to the ladies in the Princess's University, likens them to "safety matches which strike only on the knowledge box." As Hila/ion, the prince betrothed in babyhood to Princess Ida, Mr James Hay had a part which fitted him perfectly and his singing left little to be desired. Apart from the concerted numbers, Mr Hay was heard to advantage in "Ida was a Twelve Month Old," and in the solo, after the Princess has rejected him, "Whom Thou has Chained." The trios with Cyril (Mr Leo Darnton), and Florian (Mr Lance Fairfax) also were successful, the sprightly "I am a Maiden Coyly Blushing" being recalled. Mr Darnton succeeded in imparting the required amount of abandon into the kissing song: "Would you know the Kind of Maid?" Mr John Italston as King Hildebrand sang and acted well, and the King Gama of Mr Walenn was almost diabolical in its fidelity to the author's conception. His •song, "The Disagreeable Man," was most successful. Those doughty warriors Arac, Scynthius, and Guron were capaibly represented by Messrs Manning, Byrne, and Hilf ord, who were particularly effective in "We are Warriors Three.'' The name part was most capably sung and acted by Miss Strella Wilson, who rose well to a character that calls for much histrionic talent. The recitative and aria, "Minerva, Hear Me," possessed the required spirit of j invocation. Miss Wilson also was heard j to great advantage on the final of the i second act when hurling defiance at \ King Hildebrand. Miss Patti Russell ! was a charming Lady Psyche, and the Melissa of Miss Mabel Gibson was admirable. Miss Winnifred Williamson was excellently cast as Lady Blanche, her duet with Melissa, "Now Wouldn't You like to Rule the Roost," being very finely given. Costuming and scenery .were excellent and the performance as a whole went spiritedly, the enthusiasm of the audience finding vent in prolonged applause at the final curtain. The orchestra under Mr Gustavo Slapoffski did excellent and much appreciated work. "PIRATES OF PENZANCE'* THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. Tor the farewell performance to be given I this afternoon and evening one of the most popular of the repertoire, "The Pirates of Penzance," has been reserved. This merry, exhilarating, and tuneful opera has always been a warm favourite with the public, for the reason that it combines all the essentials for a successful musical production—sparkling music, a witty dialogue, rich in the quips and satirical humour with which Gilbert delights his many admirers. The scenes are also more than usually attractive, the opening act iu the pirates' lair, and the second, in the moonlight, with the broken walls of the ruined castle casting eerie shadows, being most impressive. From the opening chorus,- "Pour, Oh King, the Pirates' Sherry," to the imposing grand finale there is not a weak spot in this happy creation, and the solos, and choruses are in ■ Sullivan's best melodic style. Miss Strella Wilson, as Mabel, has scored one of the greatest successes that has ever fallen to the lot of this accomplished operatic artist, and her singing of the beautiful song in the first act, , "Poor Wandering One," is one of her best achievements. The music and character of Frederick suit Mr Jas. Hay's fine tenor voice and his manly appearance, and he is heard to advantage throughout. As Major-General Stanley, Mr Chas. Walenn will be seen in his favouiito role, and in the patter song, "The Modern Major-General," he scores heavily, i As the Sergeant of Police, Mr John Ealston, another first-class actor as well as singer, has a favourite part, and in the solos, with chorus, "When the Foeman Bares his Steel" and "The Enterprising Burglar," he is at his best. Other important roles will be filled by Miss Winifred Williamson (Kuth), Messrs Bernard Manning (the Pirate King), Lance Fairfax (Samuel), and Misses Mabel Gibson (Edith), Effie Armstrong (Kate), and Lilian Crisp (Isabel). There will be a matinee this afternoon, and the final performance will be given in the evening.