THEATRE ROYAL.

Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 2045, 30 August 1876, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

" LUCREZIA BORGIA."

The fine opera of " Lucrezia Borgia," at the Theatre Royal last evening was a great success, and had the effect of drawing together a large and intelligent assemblage. " Lucrezia Borgia" is one of the most popular of Donizetti's operas, and has long sustained a pleasant reputation in musical circles, and will continue to sustain its hold upon the mind. The story which the opera •was intended to illustrate is simply told, and was described in our last issue. The music is of the most delightful charaoter, and the more acceptable to many of the audience from their knowledge of some of the selections. As Lucrezia, Madame Simonsen was eminently successful. The character of th c Duke, by Mr Barrington, was a masterpiece of acting, also that of Signor Morley, whose alternate pictures of joy or passion, attracted the admiration of the whole house. Mr Barringtons Duke, was a finished portrait. Madame Simonsen and these gentlemen were called before the curtain at the conclusion of every act. The performance of Miss Lambert as Orsin, also deserves mention, and her several passages of song were loudly cheered especially the chorns :— " Here's a health to the jolly old fellow, With a fig for the fool, who on sorrow E'er wastes the pale shade of a thought." The " Gubetta" of Mr Levison was exact, and scarcely could have been represented more fittingly or with a better grace. The various scenes, illustrative of the opera were highly picturesque and pleasing, and the dresses of the representtives were of Venetian character. The instrumental music accompanying the scenes was very creditable to the conductor and members of the orchestra. We notice that the opera selected for this evening will be Balfe's celebrated " Bohemian Girl," in three acts. Madame Simonsen will appear as Arline, Miss Lambert as Queen of the Gipsies, and Mr Barrington as the Count.