THE OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3555, 30 December 1881, Page 2

THE OPERA.

" MAKITANA."

"Maritana" was reproduced last night with splendid effect to a fall houss. The cast was the same as on the occasion of the previous representation, and any defects that were then observable were last night conspicuous only by their absence.. The members of the company worked well to* gether and with admirable spirit, and they had the marked and appreciative sympathy of the audience from the very outset. As Maritana, Miss Montagus was at her best, She sang the music of her part with rare, taste and feeling, and for every number secured the enthusiastic plaudits of her listeners. She gave "'Tis the harp in the air" and "Scenes that are brightest" exquisitely; while the duet with Lazaiillo (Miss Godfrey), "Sainted Mother," was certainly the gem of the concerted pieces. Mr Chas, Tomer, though suffering from a slight cold, sang and acted effectively in the nMe of Don Ciosar. " All the world o'er" was rendered with splendid effect, and so also was the spirited noDg, " Let me like a soldier fall. The pensive ballad " There is a flower that blooructh," also received a good rendition. Mr Farley satisfactorily filled the idle of Don Jok6, which has much in common with that of Don Pedro in "The Bose or Castile." In both his acting is studied and graceful, while his singing is invariably successful. Miss Godfrey again made a decided hit as " Luzarillo," and the. now customary encore for "Alas! those Chimes" was claimed and responded to. The lady has a voice of extensive range and of remarkable strength and clearness in the lower register. Mr Gordon made a good King, and gave the well-known song, "Hear me Gentle Maritaua," with fine effect, while Mr Benham contrived to render the Marquis as fanny and as droll-looking as possible. There was a noticeable improvement in the performance of the choruses, the Angelas being especially well rendered, and the instrumentation of the orchestra also merits complimentary recognition. Tho management would do well to abridge the intermissions between the acts, as many of these operatic performances are unduly protracted, to the inconvenience of people who come from a distance. Tuis may have had Bomctbiog to do with a cceinirjg exhibition of bad ■ taste last night, in the hasty retirement of a large portion of the audience from the dresa circle, just as the concluding chorus was being attacked. The time was inopportune for leaving, and the general movement in the direction of the door must hare proved as irritating to the performers as it was annoying to those who wished to hear • the opera out. "Martha " will be given to-night,