OPERA HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 31, 5 February 1894, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

THE ALHAMBRA COMPANY.

OPENING PERFORMANCE TO

NIGHT,

A CHAT WITH FRANK CLARK.

There was quite a large concourse of people on the Queen-streeb Wharf when bhe Mararoa came alongside to-day, and the remarks heard on all sides showed that an unmistakeable interest was evinced in the arrival from Sydney of Mr Frank M. Clark's Alhambra Company, who are to make their first appearanoe at the Opera House to-night. Although nearly tern; years have elapsed since Mr Clark visited Auckland in a professional capacity, the popular actor • vocalist looked as youthful as ever, and in the very best spirits. In conversation with our rtpr.' ..■' sentative, Mr Clark said, "Yes, we are all here. Thirty-nine in all, and after a long managerial experience you can take it from me thab this has been one ot the smartest bits of work ever undertaken ia the theatrical world of Australia. As you know, Mr Allan Hamilton only lefb Auckland the other day. Well, he came tb '<■■:. Melbourne, saw my Christmas attractios ab the Opera House, and asked me if I could. <t_ome to New Zealand with the entire; company, scenery and effects, in four days. The order was. a ' tall one,' but as Mr Hamilton gave me such glowing ac-. counts of Now Zealand, I signed a contract witn him, and here we are ! Only ten day*; have elapsed since the matter was talked, over between us in Melbourne, which I bhink you will acknowledge is not bad work. Dai we open bo-nighb ? Why, certainly! You musb remember bhat all the work now to be done iB to have the scenery, baggage,"'Slß.',", carted up to the Opera House. We requirel no rohearaals, everything is carried along, from the call boy upwards.* And how I suppose you want to know! whab kind of an entertainment we have broughb you. Well, in a few| words, let me say that the public caste has! lor the present quite deserted heavy drama! and tbe legitimate, and all bhey ask.for is 1. something to please the eye as weli as they ear. In short, burlesque, comic opera, and*^ a Vaudeville entertainment are the three 1 most popular bills of fare at tho present' moment, and it is the latter that I bring now to New Zealand. \ou are, of course, aware that in England the _ programmes submitted at tho Empire; and Alhambra Theatres are aa eagerly - .scanned by the principal section of the theatre - going community aa the ' prospectus of the Italian opera fceaso-, The ordinary variety business is now a thing of the paao—ibs day has gone, but instead thereof we find a bright Vaudeville entertainment, replete with the latest up to date songs and dances, with ballets, dreßsed in the most sumptuous manner and liberally mounted. With -regard "to "the" artists who now accompany me. I can safely say that they represent the very pick of the Vaudeville profession in Aus- ■;' tralia, and if we fail to please the public of New Zealand, then my only excuse will be that the style"' of entertainment is nob acceptable, but this > I cahnot believe will be the case, when . once the public see what kind of aft entertainmenb is prepared for them." The popular actor-vocalisb here exousen himself, as be lefb for the Opera House to superintend the erection of scenery, etc. , As already announced, "The Alhambr* Company " will make bbeir firsb appearance bo-night, and ib seems probable that: " standing room only " will be the order of the evening. For the convenience of the' public, the doors will be opened to-night at... 7 o'clock, thus enabling all to geb comfortably seated before the curtain rises.