MR J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA SEASON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1450, 10 May 1905, Page 3

MR J. C. WILLIAMSON’S OPERA SEASON.

Mffil-IE .YEOMEN. OJE THE GUARD,.’ 1

■There .was again a crowdcfd. and delighted -audience at Hia Majesty’s Theatre last evening, when the .Williamses • -Repertoire Company pro Haw ed the aho.ve play, which’ has been described as among the authors’ best work. The piece, .was magnificently staged,, and in every detail iSflecijOd great credit on the management, who certainly, gave 'G-ishorno of their-test*, " . Most of our readera are acquainted with this splendid work of. Gilbert and Sullivan, and it is needless at this stage to describe how the humorous and pathetic are blended, and the grand music that runs throughout. The opening number is the sweet air “ When Maiden Loves,” sung by Miss Aggie Thorn (Fhcebe), with bßautiful orchestral movement, indicating the sound of the spinning wheel. Then throughout, the charming bolos and other singing keeps the audience up to a high pitch of enthusiasm, while the fine orchestra also came in for well-merited praise. There were many enthusiastic encores, the chief favorite being the winsome Miss Dolly Caßtles (as Elsie Maynard). Dams Carruthers was taken by Miss Celia Ghiloni, who sang with much expression, “ Our Gallant Does,” and led the fine chorus “ The Screw may twist and the rack may turn.” Mr Walter Whyte proved very successful as Leonard Meryll, having a clear voice of sweet tone. Mr Frank Wilson excellently took the,part of 'Sergeant MBryl], and the latter three won a hearty encore for their singing of "Alas 1 -I waver to and fro.” Mr Kenningham had a great triumph as Colonel Fairfax, his singing and acting being a great treat- His song, “ Is life a boon ?” earned a warm enicore. “ Free from tho Fetters ’ was oven better, and altogether Mr Kenningham made his part one of remarkable excellence. Miss Castles was given a hearty welcome, and fully justified the good opinion of the audience. She had a good deal to do, and did it well, her singing all through being capital, and her playing being charmmgly bright or touchingly pathetic as the occasion required. Miss Thorn sang with sweetness and expression, and her acting was splendid, nothing being overdone and the best being made of every point. Our old friend Mr Howard Vernon gave a ludicrously delightful interpretation of Wilfred Shadbolt, and the audience at times could hardly restain themselves from breaking in on his points with very hearty applause. In his hands the part was a remarkable success. Mr Balston was the Lieutenant of the Tower. The stage management is deserving of the warmest praise. The choruses were all good, and tho orcbestaa (under Mr Leon Caron) acquitted itself splendidly.

TO NIGHT—“ PATIENCE.”

This evening the Beason will be concluded with the charming play “Patience," always a great favorite among play-goers,

If the Land Commission has done one thing more than another, it has confirmed public opinion on land tenures, and has already induced parliamentarians and politicians in embryo to modify their views upon land questions generally. The Commission has found that “ the country is solid for the freehold.” Farmers know their business,—Wellington Times,