MR J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA SEASON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1443, 2 May 1905, Page 4

MR J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA SEASON.

Theatre patrons whose memories go back to the soventies will recall the pleasure with which they listened to the first works of Gilbert and Sullivan, one of tbo happiest partnerships on record. Piratos of Penzance, Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore, lolanthe, Yeoman of the Guard, and Gondoliers. In these what a feast of wit, humor, satire, and charming melody was set before the public. They came, too, just at the right moment. Frenoh Opera Bouffe, the happy creation of Offenbach and Lococq,'bad run its course after a term of unusual length and brilliance. Madam Angot, and the Grand Duchess, like the Tambour Major, we had here in the eighties were entertainment for in. telligeut people, and the scenes they contained permanently photographed themselves on the memory. They were not music to superior musical people, but they amused, and they pleased, and with a far off Cervantes touoh they made mockery of serious affectations. Imitators of Offenbach and Lecocq appeared hoping to so secure a share iD the triumphs so long enjoyed by the creators of a novel and fascinating form of dramatio entertainment, but the public would hardly give the imitators a hearing. The vogue of the opera-bouffe bad passed ; something fresh was wanted- Then Gilbert and Sullivan stepped forward, and it was at once recognised that they had something new to offer, something as distinctive as Operabouffe, and as English as Frenoh. The reyival of these gems of comic opera at both Sydney and Melbourne, and at tbe present time in Auckland by Mr j. S. Williamson’s newly organised Repertoire Opera Company has met with phenomenal success, far beyond expectations, which clearly shows their popularity is as groat as ever, and consequently there is every reason the believe that the Gisborne season of three nights, which commences on Monday evening next at His Majesty’s ■ Theatre, will prove equally interesting to " theatre-goers of this city, for three sumptuous productiohs will be presented in tbe “Mikado,” Yeoman of the Guard,” and “ Patience.” The combination is coming to ns with an entirely new outfit, now costumes, new uniforms, new dresses, new scenory, in fact, Mr Williamson has spared neither time nor expense to make this tbe most brilliant attraction he has introduced to Gisborne for many years past. The box planß will be opened on the stage of His Majesty’s Theatre to-mor-row (Wednesday) morning at 9 o’clock, and particular attention is direoted to the booking arrangements. Priority of booking will be deoided by ballot, season ticket taking precedence.