“RUDDIGORE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 212, 26 November 1927, Page 17 (Supplement)

“RUDDIGORE”

HIS MAJESTY’S TO-NIGHT This evening at 5.15, the curtain will rise at His Majesty’s Theatre on the initial Auckland representation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s masterwork, “Ruddigore,” in which the J. C. Williamson, Ltd. Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company has scored its greatest triumph. The booking is excellent and to-night should prove one of the most important in the theatrical history of Auckland. This afternoon the plans will be on view at His Majesty’s Theatre confectionery kiosk, where tickets for the early door stalls and gallery may also be purchased. Only three evening performances can be staged of “Ruddigore,” and a special matinee performance will be presented on Wednesday afternoon. On Wednesday and Thursday nights “The Mikado” will bo revived, and on Friday and Saturday nights next and on Saturday afternoon “Patience” will Jje produced.

Then will be staged each for one night, “The Yeoman of the Guard,” “lolanthe,” “The Gondoliers” (also matinee on J Wednesday afternoon), “H.M.S. Pinaj lore ” “Princess Ida” and “The Pirates of Penzance.” The beautiful music in “Ruddigore” shows Sullivan at his best, while Gilbert has produced one of his cleverest “books.” The comedy is one of the outstanding features of “Ruddigore,” and other features are the picturesque settings and the appropriate costumes. There are many delightful solos and duets, and in these Miss Strella Wilson (soprano) and Mr. James Hay (tenor) are heard to distinct advantage. Mr. Hay is also responsible for the production. Others in prominent roles are Charles Walenn. John Ralston. Lance Fairfax, Patti Russell, who plays the difficult part of “Mad Margaret.” Winifred Williamson, and the company is generally recognised as one of the strongest and ablest ever sent to the Dominion. A full operatic orchestra and chorus 1 are under the direction of Gustave i Slapoffski. Paramount announce that Ruth Lee ! Taylor has been selected for the much- ! coverted role of Lorelei in the film j version of “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” ! Miss Taylor, has hitherto been eom- | paratively unknown in the picture I world, having played only minor parts.