“THE GONDOLIERS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 222, 8 December 1927, Page 17

“THE GONDOLIERS”

ENTHUSIASTIC REVIVAL ‘'The Gondoliers/* a comic opera in two acts, Sir. W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Presented at Pis Majesty’s Theatre last evening - . CAST Duke of Plaza-Toro T . —Charles A. Wallen Duiz j -00 x> xint on IpQuisicor .. . .. Jonn Ralston Marco Palmjen Janies Hav Guiseppe Palmieri Lance Fairfax Strella Wilson ■' ■■ Mabel Gibson The Duchess of Plaza-Toro -t:, Winifred Williamson Casilda Patti Russell Practically the last opera of any note produced by the famous collaborators pnor to the final break in their lona period of friendship, “The Gondoliers” a * first presented in I.ondon on December 7, ISB9. It was enthusiastically acclaimed as one of the most popular of the series,—an opinion that was evidently shared by a packed house last evening. Undoubtedly it is in “The Gondoliers that the best results of the collaboration are to be seen. Probably in no other of their works is Sullivan’s delightfully piquant and expressive music, and Gilbert’s paradoxes, quips, and ridiculous dilemmas so happilv wedded. As a production, last evening’s performance ranks exceptionally high. Particularly pleasing features were the vocal strength of a well-balanced combination, and the meticulous enunciation of both principals and chqrus, without which Gilbert and Sullivan would be only Sullivan.

The audience was in an unusually appreciative frame of mind, and at the conclusion several curtain calls had to.be taken by the company before the applause ceased sufficiently to enable the Irrational Anthem to be nlayed.. Although possibly not affording as much scope as other roles, that of Gianetta was very capably filled by Miss Strella "Wilson. Particularly in the finale to the first act, “Kind Sir, You Cannot Have the Heart,” she sang with distinction. The soprano was ably supported by Miss Mabel Gibson as Tessa, while Winifred Williamson and Patti Russell, as the duchess and Casilda respectively, were also heard to advantage. Messrs. .Tames Hay and Lance Fairfax were the Marco and Guiseppe of the piece. The latter was particularly pleasing, his solo, “Rising Early in the Morning,” being undoubtedly one of the finest numbers of the evening. His acting was also of a high standard. Marco’s big number, “Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes,” was sung with considerable artistry by Mr. Hay. The inimitable drollery of Mr. Charles Walenn, the finished artistry and fine tonal quality displayed by Mr. Leo Darnton, and Mr. John Ralston’s very efficient characterisation of the grand inquisitor, were also outstanding features of one of the best “Gondolier” performances seen in New Zealand for many years.

To that well-known Sullivan authority, Mr. Gustave Slapoffski, and his musicians, a large measure of flie success of the production is also due.