AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20497, 16 March 1932, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

GILBERT AND SULLIVAN SEASON. "THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD." This afternoon, at 2.30, this evening, at 8 o'clock, and to-morrow night J. C. Williamson's splendid Gilbert and Sullivan Company will appear in the famous English comic opera, "The Yeomen of the Guard," which ia regarded by many as tho greatest creation of the beloved collaborators. Probably were it possible to have- a plebiscite taken to decido wiaich is tho favourite Gilbert and Sullivan opera, "The ieomen of the Guard" would be near the top of the poll. The atmosphere of the Tower of London, that grim centre of some of the most poignant historical events in English history, is admirably produced in "The Yeomen of tho Guard."

Tho music of Sullivan's in this opera is probably the best he has composed. Outstanding musical gems in "The Yeomen of the Guard" are: "I Have a Song to Sing, 0," "Is Life a Boon," "Were I Thy Bride." tho trio "A. Man Who Would Win a Fair Maid," and the quartet, "When a Woer Goes Wooing." Sullivan has enriched his work with some magnificent choral ensembles, notably that for the conclusion of the first act, where the greetings of Phoebe and her supposed brother are interrupted by the tolling of the Tower bell, as the funeral march begins, with its stately theme broadly enunciated by the strings above the sombre harmonies of the rest of tho orchestra.

Those who have enjoyed Mr Ivan Menzies in the operas already staged will not be surprised to know that his Jack Point is regarded aa the finest that the Australian stage has yet enjoyed. He is said to be intensely dramatic in the final scene, when he realises he has lost his sweetheart. Miss Maisie Ramsay created quite a furore of enthusiasm in Sydney in the role of Elsie Maynard, her singing being a feature of the production, particularly in the number, " Tia Done, I Am a Bride." Miss Ramsay will appear as Elsie Maynard this afternoon and this evening. Miss Marie Bremner, who will Bing and act this part to-morrow night, has played this rolo very successfully in Australian cities. Mr Leo Darnton is at his best in the good singing role of Colonel Fairfax, and others who helped to make "The Yeomen" one of the most successful of the operas staged in Australia are Mr Gregory Stroud, Miss Mary Hotham, Miss Elvelyn Gardiner, Mr Bernard Manning, Mr Tom Broderick, and Mr Jack Ralston, wbc takes vhe important role of Wilfred Shadbolt. The chorus and ballet work is a feature of the production. On Friday night the company will again stage that charming and tuneful and highlyhumorous comic opera, "The Mikado," wljeti Mr Ivan 'Monties will once more entertain us with his irresistibly funny representation of Ko Ko. On Saturday afternoon and evening "H.M.S. Pinafore," preceded by "Cox and Box," will be staged, and on Monday afternoon and evert ing "Patience" will be revived. On Tuesday night the company will make its farewell appearance here, atfd for this occasion will "bo presented a grand gala performance of "The Gondoliers.' •