“THE GONDOLIERS,"

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1918, Page 1

“THE GONDOLIERS,"

OPENING SUCCESS REPEATED

The second production of “The Gondoliers” at the Princess Theatre last night drew another good house. The fame of the sterling performance marking the first production had spread and folk gathered from far and near, quite a number of first nighters being includ eel in the audience, also. The opera went again most pleasingly. The spectacle is a very fine one, and the charming scenes (gave great pleasure. The chorus is a large one, and its entrance was welcomed always. The consistent work done by this important section of the performers was very praiseworthy indeed.

The principals repeated their previous successes, in some instances with even added honors. Mrs StuVeley and Miss Nichols were again the cynosure of everfbeye as the dashing gondoliers suddenly elevated to the duties <T royalty. "They walked the stage "as to the manner born, and gave it line dual representaton of the characters. Mr. Ivon Wilson and Mrs W. Wilson carried themselves with becoming dignify as the Duke and Duchess, the main ' spring of till the mirth and jollity of the performance. Mr. Wilson showed that his abilities were of very high order. Airs Wilson carried through her part with fine austere dignity, and her solo brought down the house. Of special charm was the acting and singing of Alisses Davidson and Wells. Their special scene when they hold the stage, tef themselves, was one of the brightest memories of the whole pleasing performance. Both duets were / enedrod again, the voices blending so admirably, and supplying - musical treat in themselves. The delight in the,sing ing and actions ofldiss Perry and Mi's Ivon Wilson was again most marked. The daintiness of their actions, the pretty vocal effects and the archness with which their lines were spoken, created a special atmosphere of excellence seldom attained by travelling companies. Air Ir win made some most amusing by- j play as Don Alhambra, the Inquisitor, and hi s humorous songs with their quaint conclusions to typically Gilbertinn, were encored very heartily. Airs Rowe as Inez declaimed her part witl impressive effect, making the discovery of the identity of the real King of dominant interest. The lesser principals all did well in their several parts. Airs Hunter’s, opening song of revelry bo ing encored pronouncedly. The dancing is a special feature. The caehuca, the gavotte, and minuet

were all repeated to hearty plaudits, while the bright actions of the chorus arid their merry movement, presentee many -successive pleasing ' incidents. The lavish dressing and stage mountings added to the general effect, and .rith the notable help of the orchestra over which Air. Restieaux presided again, the whole presentation resulted in an evening’s entertainment it would he hard to eclipse in any metropolitan centre even.

LAST NIGHT. TO-NIGHT. The final performance of “The Gondoliers” takes place this evening. As announced, the opera is produced a s a means for augmenting the Westland Patriotic Funds. Apart from this most meritorious recommendation of all, the play has atractive powers of its own, which despite other attractions tonight should draw a large attendance. The work that has been put into the preparation of the Opera can be lies! repaid by bumper audiences, and the performers deserve certainly this recompense.

The Opera will be produced this evening in its entirety. It will be tin last occasion to witness this brightest of stage spectacles, and to hear a performance which, can he seldom excelled anywhere. The tariff is kept low, and is within the reach of all, so many should be tempted to-night to attend U. help a cause that needs assistance, and show practical appreciation of the really magnificent work done by .Mr. and Mrs W. Staveley, and all who have assisted them to produce so sterling a work in a worthy patriotic, cause.