“THE GONDOLIERS”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1941, Page 2

“THE GONDOLIERS”

TOMORROW NIGHT. Tomorrow night at the Regent Theatre beginning at 8 o'clock J. C. Williamson Theatres will present their latest and most famous Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera Company in a magnificent production of "The Gondoliers,” which is without any doubt the best and most popular of the works of the England's beloved collaborators. There has been a very large demand for seats and indications are that the theatre will be taxed to its utmost capacity. "The Gondoliers" is packed with delicious melodies, delightful musical numbers, exquisite ensembles, Gilbert's most brilliant satire and wholesome and genuinely humorous comedy scenes. .Amongst the best known of the musical numbers in “The Gondoliers" are "List and Learn,” "From the Sunny Spanish Shores,” "When Alone Together.” "There was a Time,” "Try we Live Long.” "Bridegroom and Bride,” “When a Merry Maiden Marries,” “Kind Sir, You cannot have the Heart, - ’ "Rising Early in the Morning,” "Take a Fair of Sparkling Eyes,” "Dance a Cachucha,” and ;:There Lived a King." The music of "The Gondoliers” is full of charm, and the settings are very picturesque. Ivan Menzies has been associated with the works of Gilbert and Sullivan since he was quite a very young man, and of all his characterisations his Duke of Plaza Toro must be ranked as one of his finest. Miss Evelyn Gardiner, the contralto, did not come past .Auckland during the last Gilbert and Sullivan tour, as she was cabled for by the R. D’Qyly Carte to proceed to America to play the contralto roles in the New York productions. There has never been a better exponent of the part of the Grand Inquisitor than Mr Richard Watson, and playgoers will be glad to enjoy again the singing and outstanding artistry of Gregory Stroud. Vincent McMurray is another member of the company well and popularly known tn New Zealand playgoers. Evidently the management was fortunate in procuring the services of Mr John Fullard for the principal tenor roles and of Miss Viola Wilson for the soprano parts The box plans are at Nimmo's, where seats in good positions mav be selected.