ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 279, 26 November 1887, Page 8

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

"CAMILLE."

The Majoronis had a most enthusiastic reception at Abbott's Opera Houho last evening, when Dumas's great masterpiece "Camille" was produced with a measure of perfection never boforo witnessed here. The lowo 1 part of tho House was crowded, and a large and fashionable audience tilled the dress circle. From the rit>e of the ourtain till its full the audienoe wore intensely interested, and the feelings of many were perceptibly affected, oven to teara, by the many telling incidents in the history of the heroine, bo ably depicted by Siguora Majeroni. " Camille "is a queen of fashion in a gay world, and tshe ia introduced to the spec la tor as the companion of a very fast set, with a heavily kuen table and champagne corks popping gaily. She hus admirers many, but laughs at " love," and in the first act a most amusing interview takes place between her aud tho Count do Varville, a most pronounced admirer. Camillo receives his declarations in a sportive mood, and ridicules his pretensions. Signora Majeroni's portraturo of the butterfly Camille up to this atago was admirable, and created much amusement, but the interest waxes atrongor when Ax-maud Duval (Signor Majeroni) appears on the scone. Then Camille realises that love is a possibility, and henceforth her life is changed. The interviews between Camille and Armaud wero presented with a skill and truthfulness the nature of which completely carried away tho audience, and bouquets and applause were bestowed upon these talented artistes in rich profusion in every act. Passion, grief, joy, indifference were depicted with power by both, and the scene in which Camille consents to deceive and renounce her lover to sustain the honour of his family was a most excellent piece of acting. When attacked by an incurable malady and pining to death for her lover she is equally grand, and the final act, in which Armaud returns to her with the full consent of his family, was worked up.to a most touching conclusion. To see him once more and die was her fate, and before the curtain was lowered there was many a tearful eye in the audience. Signor Majeroni's Armaud was a masterpiece, and was recognised as such by the spectators of the drama. It was one of his best characters, and those who missed seeing "Camille" undoubtedly missed a great literary treat. The subordinate characters were ably taken. Mr Jewitb did justice to the prominent parb of the Count de Varville, and Mrs George Gordon, as "Madame Prudence," proved most amusing. Lawrence, as Mo'hs Duval, played a fatherly part in a fatherly manner, and Miss Jewitt also deservea mention for the impersonation of " Nannie." For this evening and the last of the Majeroni season, "The Masked Ball " has been in rehearsal. This appears to bo one of the best of the Majeronis , repertoire. It will be interesting to see these clever artistes in this new phase, and this, combined with the high appreciation in which they are held, should insure.. a bumper farewell houso. It may be many years before the opportunity of seeing them again is offered, and it behoves all who have any appreciation of histrionic art to show it by being present at the Opera House to-night.