"THE GONDOLIERS"

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20489, 7 March 1932, Page 5

"THE GONDOLIERS"

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN REVIVAL. A FIRST NIGHT TRIUMPH. The pleasant memories of bygone days when the stage was in its hey-day and when a first-night performance was an outstanding event, socially as well as theatrically, were revived on Saturday night, when the Theatre Royal boards accommodated a J. C. Williamson company of exceptional brilliance, playing "The Gondoliers." It was the first production of a most welcome season and the popular favour in which the company found itself was demonstrated by the fact at 5.30 p.m. there was a queue of over 100 people awaiting the opening of the early doors. After a long spell during which the Theatre Royal has been occupied with screen entertainment it was a refreshing and a stimulating experience once again to feel the electric atmosphere preceding the rising of the first curtain and the "rapport" established between audience and players. Saturday night's performance augurs well for the season. Wisely the company chose the most popular and colourful of all Gilbert and Sullivan-operas, and that choice reaped a harvest of appreciation. Sullivan's lyrical brilliance and Gilbert's wit make the greatest entertainment combination that the theatrical world has ever seen and it is distinctly pleasing to reflect that the two masters still more than hold their own in this age of jazz. Although it was a compliment to the placers—and one which they recognised most generously—the many encores demanded for individual numbers tended to break the continuity of the opera. However, there was little to complain about in that respect for the second or third presentation was, in some cases, even better than the first. The season was begun most happily and at the conclusion of the performance, principals, chorus, and orchestra —the latter under the much-loved veteran, Mr Gustave Rlapoffski —had to acknowledge enthusiastic and wellmerited applause before the National Anthem could be sung. The lead, Mr Ivan Alenzies, in a short speech, said that the Christchureh audience hail exceeded his expectations, and it was wonderful to think that Hie operas had enjoyed 50 years of success and still remained as fresh as ever. Taking a little more license with the part of the humorously vainglorious Duke of Plaza Toro, than is usual, Mr Menzies was able, to bring to bear on

the role a considerable ability as a singer, dancer, and actor, and to introlittle "extras." His interpretation was a studied one and his cljini to a position in the front rank of modern comedians was fully sustained: In solo, chorus, and elocutionary work lie made the old grandee lovable and altogether charming. His consort, played by Miss Kvelyn Gardiner, was an admirable piece of I work, and, as a foil to her erratic and | humorous husband, she made a striking ! figure. A strong personality and a line contralto voice assisted her in the offering of a sparkling performance. Messrs | Leo Darnton (tenor) and Gregory Stroud (baritone*, as the two gondoliers, \ver>> perfectly east. In the opening of the second act. Mr Stroud's singing of "Rising Early in the Morning" was a masterpiece, and ho had to repeat the number. Naturally, "Take' a Pair of Sparkling Eyes," by Mr Darnton, commanded a rehearing. His interpretation was mezzo forte and on repeating the song he took it sotto voce. There was still a strong demand for a further repetition and he replied with an even more delightful pianissimo rendition. The results of serious study were apparent in all of Mr Stroud's work. A polished actor, with a fine voice and a magnetic personality, be made Giuseppe Palmieri an outstanding character. A favourite with Christchurch audiences, Mr John Balaton had a most suitable part as the Grant! Inquisitor. His two besti numbers were "T Stole the Prince - ' and ''There lived a

King. " Miss Marie Brcmner and Miss Mary Hotham, as two of the eontadine, who sustained the love interest wpth the gondoliers, sang and. danced delightfully, and tvere ably supported by Misses Bona Wimpney, Valerie Walsh, and Margery Jaeoby. Particularly good were. "Kind Sir, You cannot have the Heart" and "When a Merry Maiden Marries.'' A suitably servile attendant to the Duke was found in Mr Bernard - Manning and with Casilrla Ofiss Mnisio Ramsay) he shone in 'O Rapture When Alone Together," and "There Was a Time." Mr Manning has a fine baritone. Misa Ramsay's part gave her little scope, but she made the most of her opportunities. Subsidiary parts were well played by Messrs Clifford Cowley, James Paterson, Vic Haines, Harry Williams, and Tom Broderick as gondblicri, and Miss Dawn Harding as Inez, the foster-mother, sang charmingly. The principals were supported by a large and well-trained chorus, which gave the concerted numbers balance, volume, and excellent tonal quality, and the orchestra,,of 16 members, was well up to concert platform standard. Scenery and frocking -were true to tradition and the stage management, in the hands of Mr Dick Shortland, was smooth and precise. "The Gondoliers" will be played again this afternoon and even>ng-