THE OPERA HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1899, Page 2

THE OPERA HOUSE.

A GAIETY GIRL

Obviously, the popularity of the Pollards never wanes in Auckland, and the vitality of musical comedy would appear to be immortal, lt is a bare fortnight since the lengthy Christmas season with the 'French .Maid' and 'Gay Parisienne' terminated, but even so short an interval was sufficient to whet the appetite of our theatre-gpers to the keenest pitch, and a packed house welcomed this favourite company back with as much fervour as if years, instead of days, had elapsed since their departure. 'A Gaiety Girl,' now produced for the first time by the Pollards, is yet familiar to Aucklanders, having been very successfully played here some years ago by the Royal Comic Opera Company. To insist on plot in musical comedy is to grievously misunderstand the whole construction and object of this class of entertainment, which is to provide absolute mental relaxation and to afford the tired worker as much sparkling music, as much laughter, and as many pretty faces and shapely figures as can be gathered round some slight shred of story. In the case of the 'Gaiety Girl' the sticklers for plot should, however, have some satisfaction, for it, possesses considerably more and greater dramatic interest than most of its peers, lt is one of those productions almost heart - breaking to the managerial heart in the enormous cast of principals needed. While no one save perhaps Chas. Goldleaf has more given him to do by the author than any other, there are at least half a dozen characters who, starting from an even mark, have equal opportunities of 'scoring' and making themselves the hit of the play. For example, there are Major Barclay, Dr. Brierly, Sir Lewis Grey, besides Lady Virginia Forest, Mina, Rose, and Alma Somerset. Each one of these parts is exactly what the actor chooses to make it, and the fact that Mr Percy as the Doctor scores most heavily is not attributable to the possession of 'fat' but to his unquestioned superiority and versatility as an actor and singer.

Considering the strain placed on the resources of the company by a play requiring a round dozen of principals, the management may be congratulated on a decidedly creditable rendering of a very strong attraction. Of songs and dancing there is no end in the 'Gaiety Girl,' and as everyone knows, lack of pretty faces is not a defect or the Pollard Company. Therefore, the entertainment is a goodly one, and a sure cure for the blues, though the 'Blues' play so important a part therein.

The dialogue, by the way, is often exceedingly smart in the 'Gaiety Girl," but the audience are sometimes incredibly slow in taking up the points. Often, no doubt, this is because their significance is purely English. Many examples might be quoted did not space forbid, but the joke as to what London poulterers would do but for the nobility shooting would bring down the house in the Metropolis, it being notorious that many wealthy aristocrats who kill birds by the thousand at their shooting parties never give a brace away to their friends, but consign every bird to the poultry vendors for sale. Here,of course, the allusion fell flat.

The various, parts in the comedy are, in the main, suitably filled. Mr Percy, as Dr. Brierly, easily takes first place, and is ably supported by Miss Marie Metcalfe, who is a gilt-edged success as Lady Virginia Forest. Mr Quealy is noisy and obstreperous as the Major, but too much clowning and too little comedy make him somewhat of a bore in this particular part, which develops his mannerisms to an almost unbearable extent. His dancing, again, compels admiration, and lie sings amusingly. Alf. Stephens will doubtless make more of the Judge in time; the part is capable of almost infinite development, His song, 'A Modern Judge,' was exceedingly well done. Miss Maud Beatty was vigorous as ever as Chas. Goldleaf, and 'fetched' the house with a capital rendering of 'Soldiers of the Queen.' She also deserved an encore for 'Sunshine Above,' the very beautiful interpolated air. Rose Brierly, a capital part, was very capably filled by Miss May Beatty, and she and Mr Percy were vigorously encored for 'Oh, Dear Papa.' As Mina, Miss Gertie Campion had all too little to do, but, needless to say, it was exceedingly well done, and recalled distinct visions of lovely Grace Palota and the fascinating Riley. Miss Lily Stephens looked exceedingly pretty as Alma Stanley, . but a little more spirit in her acting would not be amiss. Mr Chas. Carter sings well, but is still sticky in his acting. Decidedly one of the evening's successes was Mr E. Fitts, whose make-up and acting as AugTista were both immense. A 'Gaiety Girl' is decidedly an acquaintance to be cultivated. An introduction is easily obtained, and Mr Pollard's article, while equally amusing, comes considerably cheaper than the real thing. Presentations can be' made every evening till further notice at the Opera House.