“THE GONDOLIERS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 221, 7 December 1927, Page 15

“THE GONDOLIERS”

The next opera, to be produced this evening, is one of the most favoured of the delightful series now being presented, ‘‘The Gondoliers.’’ There are many beautiful solos, duets and concerted pieces in this attractive conception, and many appear to think that in "The Gondoliers” Sullivan is heard at his very best. There is a wonderful charm about the music of this latest offering, and excerpts from this delightful opera are perhaps more frequently heard than selections from any of the others. Tnere is a peculiarly attractive lilt in the music g£ ‘‘Ggndulierfeu” and there

are many musical delights in this charming work. The romantic story of the prince and the humble gondolier, and the well-conceived plot associated with this clever production of the great librettist, Gilbert, holds the interest from rise to final fall of the curtain, and in this respect it stands out as one of the most brilliant of the enjoyable series. The cast is a particularly strong one, as will be admitted when it is seen that the principal characters are allotted as under: —Gianetta, Strella Wilson; Marso, James Hay; the Duchess, Winifred Wiliamson; Duke of Plaza Toro, Charles Walenn; Luig, Leo Darnton; Casilda, Patti Russell; Tessa, Mabel Gibson; Guiseppe, Lance Fairfax; Inez, Hffie Armstrong; Antonio, Gordon Ramsay; Grand Inquisitor, John Ralston. The very efficient orchestra under the conductorship of Mr. Gustave Slapoffski, has splendid material for its attention. • Pinafore,” with ‘ Trial by Jury,” will be produced to-morrow night, with ‘‘Princess Ida” and ‘‘Pirates of Penzance” for the last two evenings. A matinee performants will be given on StuutcUy,