WILLIAMSON’S COMIC OPERA CO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1763, 1 June 1906, Page 3

WILLIAMSON’S COMIC OPERA CO.

There was a large demand for seats when the plans were opened by Mr Miller yesterday morning for the three nights’ season of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Opera Company. The company appear here on Monday next, presenting the ever-popular and favorite romantic opera, “ The Gondoliers,” on Tuesday “ Princes<' Ida,” and on Wednesday “ Utopia Ltd.,” or “ The Flowers of Progress ” These three works are from the pens of those world famed collaborators, Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan. The ever welcome

“ Gondoliers ” hall-marked in practically every part of the world is one of the gems of the company’s repertoire. The story is prettily told ; the music "built to fit round it, and with humorous and clever sayings interwoven, gives the opera the prestige it has always sustained. “ The Gondoliers ” from start to fall of curtain contains as many gems as could possibly be presented in one opera—musically it has very few equals and no superior. The second production “ Princess Ida,” give 3 splendid scope to the company for fine singing and acting ; “ Utopia Ltd ,” is the last product of the joint authors, and will be presented for the first time in Gisborne. Highly flattoringand eulogistic press reports to ha*nd are unanimous in their appreciation '..of the clever music and satirical libretto The Age s ays: “ The same delightful mix up of appy thoughts, happily expressed, alike in song and story; ” Argus: “ The libretto may be counted the most whimsical, satirical and direct purpose that Mr Gilbert has penned. It is rich in the essence of wit and of surprise ” The three productions will be staged with Mr- Williamson’s usual completeness of every detail and famous Opera Company’s chorus of over 50 artists, supported by a large and efficient orchestra, making every essential to the success of the plays. Judging from the absorbing interest being taken in the forthcoming season a highly successful tour is anticipated. The latest craze, in the form of the “ Kadium Ballet,” will further enhance the interest of these sumptuous productions. It is said to be one of the most weird and faseiuating effects over introduced upon the stage.