“THE MIKADO” TO-NIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 215, 30 November 1927, Page 17

“THE MIKADO” TO-NIGHT

LAST OF “RUDDIGORE” “Ruddigore” will be performed for the last time in Auckland at this afternoon’s matinee. This little known, but nevertheless popular operatic offering drew another good attendance last night. At His Majesty’s Theatre this evening at 5.15 and to-morrow night the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company will stage two brilliant revivals of the exhilarating, very tuneful and very humorous Japanese comic opera “The Mikado.” which is probably the most successful of the Gilbert and Sullivan compositions. The music presents Sir Arthur Sullivan in his very happiest mood, the dialogue is truly Gilbertian aiid the staging is colourful and picturesque. There is not one dull moment in “The Mikado” and it brims over with good musical numbers. James Hay’s delightful tenor yoice is heard at its best in the wellknown number “A Wandering Minj strel,” and Miss Strella Wilson has I scored one of her best triumphs as Yum Yum. Her singing of the number “The Moon and I” is a feature of the opera. Mr. Charles Walenn is one of the finest Gilbertian artists we have enjoyed in New Zealand and he is particularly excellent as Ko Ko. His presentation of those two musical gems “Tit Willow” and “He Never Would be Missed” is always the occasion for much merriment. Mr. John Ralston always gives a faithful representation of any character entrusted to him, and this brilliant artist has always been noted for his portrayal of Pooh Bah. Mr. Bernard Manning will appear as the Mikado, Mr. Lance Fairfax as Pish Tush. Miss Mabel Gibson as Pitli Sing and Miss Effie Armstrong as Been 80. The chorus and orchestral work, under the direction of Mr. Slapoffski, is a feature of the production.