H.M.S. PINAFORE.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 3083, 8 March 1880, Page 2

H.M.S. PINAFORE.

The reproduction of the above operetta by the Williamsons and their Company which now includes Messrs Biccardi, Hard! ing, and Miss Leaf, has boon a marked sue" cess. With reference to the efforts of the actors in the piece, the Melbourne " Even, iug Herald" says :—" Miss Leaf, as Eutte-1 cup, had not entirely got the range of the building, though her acting was effective and her make-up sufficiently striking, win,, out being too much strained. As Sj r Joseph Porter, Mr Riccardi was thoroughly successful. The mingled pomposity "and. simplicity of the great man were all duly portrayed with great ease, and yet with proper stiffness. The gentleman was per. fectly self-conlaiued and at home, aud ceemed to possess the rare faculty of uttering the most transparent absurdities with an air of thorough belief in their reality that was exquisitely amu-ing. Captain Corcpraa, as represented by Mr Harding, was a success that will speedily become a far more pronounced one. lie was nervous at the outset, aud, though his first song was warmly received, did not seem to quite recover himself. Bh voice, however, is etcellenfc, aud when more at hotne^lie will be able to giye it full pky, and make the gallant captain a favourite. MissToleyaa Hebe, Miss Maggie Moore as Josephine, Mr Rainford as Dick Deadeye, and Mr Louis Braharn as Ralph Kackatraw completed the cast. The stage business was 'well-at. tended to, Sir Joseph receiving a salute oa boardiug the vessel, the yards of which were manned by the Naval Brigade. Altogetler, the representation was a great sue cess. THE PATH CONCERTS.

The advent of those great artists whose names are known to fame wherever music is cultivated was a notable evtttiiniSydney, and the vast assemblage vviiich.i^ngregatcd iv the Theatre Royal on the occasion o£ Madame Patti'a first appearance, gave cvi. dence that the Sydney people were not backward in'giving a suitable welcome to this renowned artiste. The company in. eluded Madame Carlotta Patii, Mr Ernest de Munck (the great 'cellist) and Kignor Ciamphi Cellaj, willi Signor Paolo (iiorza a8 accompanyist and piauitt. SignocCiamphi was the first to perform. His selection was "Scena ed Aria," in the third act of Virdi's " Un Ballo in Maschera" in which Renato, torn with despair ami anguish, after the terrible scene with his wife,°apo3trophizes the portrait of him who H lie con. aiders the destroyer of his happiness " Eri tv, che macchiavi quell 'aniuia," Signor Ciampi although only j ust recovered from a long eea voyage, was in good voice and rendered the selection m an excellent manner. Mr Ernest de JMunek created quite a sensation with his splendidly executed 'cello solos. SpeaHng about Mdme. Patti the ' Sydney Herald " says ; —''ln the brilliant aria from Yeidi's " Sicilian Vespers," she astonished her audience, not so much by her Voice, which all know is no longerin its spring-time. If, however, nature hag passed the meridian, art has not, and ia Madame Patti's voea'isation there is art at its best. "Marvellous" is the only word which at all describes the effect which she produce^, dashing roulades with a rich fulness in the lower notes, a most delicate piano instantaneously changing ta a powerful forte, and vice versa ; a shaka which in Quantity and tone is perfect and ever-varying, and in quality almost interminable; " echo " bits and fairy-like phrases which are startling in their airy delicacy. The "Echo Song" by Eckcrt, fae well, known director at Berlin : the name describf s the s -ng, the astonishing vocal feats must be heard to be realised; for encore Madame Patti saug the fullest embodiment of fun which can bo put into singicff, the solo is called a "Laughing Song," we know n t the_ author, and is a triumph of startling mirth aud iufectious laughter, gymnastic vocalisation of the highest order in its way. Recalls were fruitless, and theLaughing Song was half-repeated, the great audience laughed as heartily as the singer,, who however, had the advantage, as her laughing waa in perfect tune." At (he conclusion of ihe performance, Mdme. Patti received several large and beautiful bouquets.

At Kelly and Leon's Opera House, " Lea Cloches de Corueville" was succcssfuly performed. The leaders were, Messrs Leo»i and Kelly, aud Miss Wangenheim, aud "Mr. Reid.

"Hamlet" was lately produced at Hie-. Theatre Koyal. As Hamlet, Mr Creswick: again achieved a success. Miss Myr* Kqtnble, sustained the part of Ophelia and created a vtry favourable impression. Mr B. N. Jones took the part of Polouius. Mr Croswick has also given an impersonation of " Kiug Lear."

The Victoria Theatre has seen the pro. duction of another ot H. J. Byron's celebr.ited comedies, <( Old SailorsjI' which was very successfully played.- T£e:"pnucipal actors were Mrs Hall, Mr St Lawrence, Me Jerdau aud Miss W isomao.