“THE GONDOLIERS”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1941, Page 2

“THE GONDOLIERS”

; REGENT THEATRE. FEBRUARY 11. J. C. Williamson’s Gilbert and Sulli- ; van Comic Opera Company which is ' to appear in "The Gondoleirs" at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday, February ' 11. met with a remarkable reception at their opening performance of "The ; Gondoliers" in Auckland recently. Ivan I Menzies, Evelyn Gardiner, Gregory Stroud. Richard Watson and Vincent McMurray, who are established fai vourites with New Zealand audiences, were all accorded an ovation when ) they appeared respectively at The Duke I of Plaza Toro, the Duchess of Plaza : Toro, Guiseppe. The Grand Inquisitor, and Antonio, and a very hearty welcome was given to Viola Wilson, the Principal soprano, John Fullard. the leading tenor, Sara Gregory, the charming soubrette. Phyllis Curnow and to the other artists who arc all making their first appearance in New Zealand. His Majesty’s Theatre was packed from floor to ceiling, and as the performance progressed, so did the enthusiasm increase, and the final fall of the curtain was made the occasion for an unprecedented demonstration. Each of the principals was called before the curtain, and the stage was literally covered with floral and other tributes. It was a memorable night and one that will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to be present. Encores were frequent. John Fullard having to repeat "Take a Pair of Sparkling I Eyes” no less than three times, and for his inimitable dancing of the entrancing gavotte in the second act, Ivan Menzies was recalled again and again. The consensus of opinion was that never before had such a brilliant and perfect representation been given of "The Gondoliers" in New Zealand. "The Gondoliers" is undoubtedly one of the lightest, merriest, most tuneful and most humorous of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Only the one performance can bo given here of "The Gondoliers." The box plans will be opened at the shop of Messi's. Steel and Bull on Friday morning next at nine o’clock. A queue will be formed from S a.m.