POLLARD OPERA COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 15, 19 January 1899, Page 2

POLLARD OPERA COMPANY.

IN TOWN.'

The first of a long series of what has come to be called musical comedy, in which the performers appear in everv-day costume, was Tn Town,' which, when produced in London, with Arthur Roberts in The leading role, had a truly phenomenal run. Light, ~' sparkling, and abounding in humorous quips, cranks and repartees, with solos, duets, trios and choruses set- to music that haunts the mind for days, ' Mn Town' was a worthy progenitor of the scores of similar theatrical yen- v tures, successful and otherwise, which sprang up like mushrooms as a result of its success. The plot is decidedly flimsy, but that is the way with music comedy. The Duke of Muff shire and "■; his wife, son, daughter and chaplain run up to London, the first to deliver, and the others to listen to a speech in the House of Lords, which is in one * j great coup to effect the emancipation or down-trodden women. The theatrical instincts, which end in all the members of the party finding their way into the green-room of the Ambiguity Theatre, instead of that unimpeachable legislative chamber, •' which was their ostensible destination, gives food for many amusing denouements. The wonderful man abouttown who, between the intervals of dodging duns and gentlemen with awkward pieces of blue paper, is everywhere and pervades everything, is a really notable figure of contem-' porary comedy. Williamson's Opera Company have played this piece in Auckland, and last night was the second appearance of Pollards in 'In Town,' so that the crowded house was a tribute alike to the company and the comedy. First and foremost in the cast is the irrepressible Captain \ Coddington, rarely off the stage from \ rise to fall of curtain. While presenthe is the centre of attraction.' Such ; a part entails an enormous amount of work, but Mr Percy apparently made light of it, and the simmer of merri- _-; ment which announced his appearance, and in rising and falling, but never . ceasing, waves followed his every movement till he shot through the wings, to be, renewed again on his reappearance a moment or two inter, must have been ample recompense for any amount of hard work. He was successful in his various songs, and notably so in the 'Man About Town' and the 'Cafe Chantant,' while he ably sus- ' tamed his share of the duet, 'I'd Like to Come Up if I May,' one of the best items of the piece, and in the;,;;]: much redemanded trio, 'The Harmless Tarriditldle.' Miss Marion Mitchell, as Kitty Hetherton, prima donna cf the Ambiguity, acted and sang nicely. Her singing has greatly improved, and we have seldom'" heard her to better advantage than in her solo in the second act, "'Dreamless Rest.' Miss May Beattv, as the French actress, Marie Belleville, was an enchant ing bundle of energy and sang in irrestible style, while Miss Maud Beattv made aZ , charming Lord Clanside, which, while reminiscent of Miss Florence Young, by no means provoked unfavourable comparison. Mr Alf. Stephens was a suitable Duke of Muff Shire, and Miss Metcalfe ably seconded him as the -*| Duchess. It was a pleasure to old * theatre-goers who have been familiar « with the Pollard Company for years J| to see Miss Lily Stephens agfein in *|M leading part, and although as Dadyijß Gwendoline Kincaddie she had littlefl| else to do than look charming it is needless to say that she accomplished that beyond criticism. With Miss Metcalfe, she acted and sang very prettily in the duet, 'If You Really Wish to Marry.' Mr Harry Quealey was a very amusing Rev. Samuel Hopkins and was deservedly encored for1!* his singing of 'The Tin Gee-Gee,' ~ while Master Albert's Shrimp, and especially his singing.of The Call Boy/ should receive an unstinting word o' praise. Mr Ernest Fitts was encored for his singing of the interlopated song . 'The Weddiffg Morn,' and a similar compliment was accorded Miss Wrilmot Karkeek for a clever pas de seul, and Misses N. Wilson, N. Forde, and Z. Karkeek for the clever pas de trOis, the Quakeress' dance. The minor parts were, as usual, capably filled. 'In Town' will be repeated to-night and the two closing nights of the. season' will witness the revival of thai ,- old favourite —'Paul Jones.'