THEATRE ROYAL.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3354, 27 April 1881, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

"DER FREISCHbTZ."

There was a largo attendance at the Theatre Royal last eveuing to witness tho first production of Weber's master-piece by tho Simonsen Opera Company. " Der Krcischulz" is so well known that any description of the plot is unnecessary. The caste last evening included the following :— Ottocar (reigning Prince of Bohemia), Mr J. Cram ; Cuno (Chief Ranger), Mr Ernest St, Clair ; Caspar (First Huntsman), Signor Riccardi; Dodolph (Second Huntsman), Signor Bianchi; Zamiel (the Fiend Huntsman), Mr Bcllair ; Kilian (a rich Peasant), Mr Wentworth ; A Hermit, Mr F. Henry ; First Brides.naid, Miss Frances Simouscu ; Annie (cousin to Agues), Miss Martina Simonsen ; Agnes (Cuno's dnughter), Miss Leonora Simouscn. The opera was well placed on the stage, ond its production was a moat pronouueed succoss. Signor Riccardi, who took the part of Caspar, was in excellent voice, aud his soug, " Life is Darkened O'er With Woe," wa.s loudly applauded. His acting in the scones with Zamiel, and at the 'close of the third act where his lifo pays the penalty of his sins, was remarkably good. Tho Misses Simousen, who were all cast in the piece, were iv excellent voice. The grand scona, " Before My Eyes Beheld Him," was splendidly rendered by Miss Leonora. The high notes were taken with a degree of accuracy aud clearness that appeared to delight the audienco, and enthusiastic applause followed. She also achieved success in the song, " Tho' Clouds by Tempests May be Driven," and in the duet, " Como, Be Gay, ! and Banish Sorrow." Miss Martina Simonsen sang exceedingly well in this duet, and the romance, "My Dear Departed Aunt, Onco Dreaming," was capitally rendered. Mils Frances Simonsen was caste for a light part—that of first bridesmaid. The singing of the three sisters was really excellent, aod thoy must bo considered to have achieved a groat success in " Dor Freiachutz." The special feature of the performance was tho incantation scene. This was produced on a scale never before attempted here, and it was a grand success. The scenery in the opening of the act was exceedingly good. It would be difficult to describe the incautation scene, but we may say that it was carried out with the assistance of a magnificent pyrotechuic display. The enthusiasm of the audience was worked up to such a degreo that frequent storms of applause testified their appreciation of the manner iv which tho scene was produced, So loud and continuous was the applause that a portion of tho chorus of invisible spirits was almost wholly inaudible. At the closo of the Act, the artist, under whose direction the display was carried out, was compelled to come forward and bow his acknowledgements. "Der Freischutz" will be repeated this ovenimr, aud we would certainly advise those who can not to miss the opportunity of seeing this representation.