Gilbert and Sullivan.

Te Aroha News, Volume VIII, Issue 488, 12 July 1890, Page 6

Gilbert and Sullivan.

A London cable despatch of May 15th to the New York papers says:—Tho split between Gilbert and Sullivan means, practically, the breaking up of the entire Savoy Company. Geraldine Ulmar, who came from America three years ago to take the position of prima clonna at tho Savoy, handed D’Oyloy Carlo her resignation tonight, to take effect on June 15bh. Both Sir Arthur Sullivan and D’Oyley Carte are in a furious rage because Gilbert has formed a combination with Alfred Cellier, who wrote ‘Dorothy,’ and who, the British critics say, is the coining mair in comic, opera. Cellier’s music is much lighter and more Frenchy than Sullivan’s, and it is thought that when he is working jointly with a librettist liko Gilbert lie will have a chance ho has never had before to show what ho can do. Gilbert has his new book all complete. Tie is meeting Cellier to-night to arrange for the production of a new comic opera in October, probably at the Lyric Theatre. Both Mis.? Ulmar a,nd Marie Tempest are now mentioned as prima donnas in this new venture.

D’Ovley Carte was seen to-day at tho Savoy Theatre with regard to the rumoured separation of Sullivan ar.d Gilbert. lie said that the report was quite true. There was absolutely no chance of a settlement of the dispute between them, which occurred this way, in Carte’s own words :

l On Gilbert’s recent return from India he and Sir Arthur met in the Savoy to balance accounts. Gilbert objected to a certain outlay for scenery and carpets for the “Gondoliers.” He said, in a very abusive manner. “ The expenses are unwarrantable and excessive, and I demand a fresh agreement because you (D’Oy ley Carte) are making too much money out of my brains.” I argued with him, but to no purpose. lie became more violent and referred the matter to Sullivan, who upheld me, whereupon Gilbert shouted : “ You are no gentleman, or you should answer to me. You are both blackguards,” and he rushed out of the office using shocking language. ‘On the following day Gilbert wrote an insulting letter to Sullivan to. the effect that unless Sir Arthur apologised for sustaining me and agreed to sever all connection with me, he (Gilbert) should insist on dissolving, the partnership. Sir Arthur replied : “I think that it is the very best thing to do, as I am thoroughly disgusted at your ungentlemanly conduct.” They have not spoken since, but are now bitter enemies.’

Gilbert swears that he wiil never allow any of the operas produced by the new firm to be played in America. Sullivan will probably collaborate with George R. Sims. A cable message in a recent issue of the Stab said : “ Sir Arthur Sullivan has offered Miss Amy Sherwin a three years’ liberal engagement in ‘ Gondoliers ’ and ‘ Ivanhoe ’ at the Savoy Theatre.” This would seem to indicate that the separation is complete.