"PIRATES OF PENZANCE."

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 247, 17 October 1891, Page 5

"PIRATES OF PENZANCE."

The unfavourable state of the weather last evening militated somewhat againsb bhe abbendance at the Opera House. This was especially unfortunabe, seeing bhab ib was the firsb performance of Gilberb and Sullivan's comic opera, " The Pirates of Penzance." The mounting was excellent throughout, there being two additions in the shape of apotheoses illustrative of " Liberty " and " Britannia," the effects of which were heightened by limelight. It is needless to state that both tho transparencies evoked considerable applause. The various choruses were admirably rendered lasb . nighb, bhe young performers keeping well bogebher. Amongst the leading characters Mies Marion Mitchell did excellent work as "Mabel," the song, " Poor Wandering One," being one of the besb contributions during the performance. An encore was demanded, and Miss Mitchell received a flattering shower of bouquets. In the second act bhe beautiful ballad, " Oh, Leave Me Not to Pine," was sung by Miss Mitchell with a depth of feeling that completely captivated tho audience, and an encore resulted. The part of "Frederic, the Pirate Apprentice," was allotted to Miss Lily Everett, who acted well, but her voice shows signs of over work, and a rest will soon become imperative. The opening, "Ob, Must I Loave Thee," was, however, very well sung. Ruth, the pirate maid of all work, received full justice ab the hands of Miss Flo Russell, who, however, appears to be suffering from a bad cold. The other daughters of Major-General Stanly besides Mabel were Edith (Miss Lily Stephens), Kate (Miss Nellie Wilson), and Isabel (Miss Alice Gilldale), who all both looked well and acted admirably. The MajorGeneral himself was . represented by Mr A. Stephens, who was all that could be desired, the patter song being given in a style bhab elicited an encore. Master Wm. Percy made a fine Pirate King; and Miss Beryl Mackay efficiently performed the duties of the lieutenant. Great amusement was created by the choruß of policemen. The sizes varied so greatly that the parade almost appeared like a skib on the local force, bhere being a Goliabh and a David on the stage. The lilliputian policeman caused an amount of laughter, two feeb nothing in uniform beino- exbremely ludicrous. Whenever little" Constablo Sullivan (Mary was his name) appeared, it wa3 the signal for a burst of laughter. Master H. Quealey officiated as Sergeant of Police, and acted excellently, the marvellous contortions of his expressive features, together with the absurdities of Corporal J. Farrell, making tho advenb of the " cops " a thing to be desired. The " Tarantara Chorus" and " A Policeman's Lob ia Nob a Happy One" I were both excellently rendered, and deservedly encored. The trio, " A Paradox," by Ruth, the King, and Frederic, was sung in a spirited manner, and the girls' chorus, " Climbing Over Rocky Mountains," was so well rendered that an encore was demanded. When Miss Lily Stephens appeared she was greeted wibh applause, and received a couple of bouquets. Ab the close of the performance this libble lady sang " The British Flag" and "Rule, Britannia," both of which were loudly applauded. _ A matinee performance of the "Pirates took placo this afternoon, when there was a gooc. attendance. A repetition occurs this evening. .