THE GAIETY SEASON.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 93, 21 April 1893, Page 4

THE GAIETY SEASON.

" CARMEN tJP TO DATA" TONIGHT.

Last night, the'burlesque "Faust up to Dato" concluded a shnrb season that is almost without Precedent in the annals of the Auckland Opera House. For the third occasion, the building; was packed to its utmost extent). Downstairs, not a seat was available, and many could not even get standing room. The highly diverting piece passed off, as usual, very smoothly, aud proved simply irresistible. The applause of the audience was unbounded, and everyone of the songs had to be repeated. That extremely graceful skirt dancer, Miss Letbbridge, was the recipient of several lovely bouquets. "Carmen up to Data" which will hold the boards this and to-morrow evening is, as its name sufficiently indicates, a burlesque of Bizebs's favourite opera which was last produced in Auckland when Mr Williamson brought round tbe Opera Company. The plot of tba original piece has perhaps been forgotten by most people, but the remembrance of the brilliant assemblage of soldiers, cigarette girls, peasants and bull fighters, and_ the gorgoous scenes in which tlioyplay theirparts linger, we are sure, in the minds of theatre gaers. It is not necessary to recall the story of the heartless coquette of Seville for the benefit of those who may intend to visit the Opera House to-night. The little plot there ever was in the opera ha 3 almost been smothered beneath the nonsensicalness of the burlesque, which, to tell the truth, requires do plot to carry it through. All it needs is fun, fun, and again fun, with plenty of protty girls in pretty costumes, singing pretty songs and dancing pretty dances, and no one who has ever seen " Carmen Up to Data" will deny that it has all these requisites.