NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' OPERATIC SOCIETY.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10481, 20 October 1899, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NATIVES' OPERATIC SOCIETY.

"RIP VAN WINKLE

In choosing the romantic story of the careless Dutch American, whose love for good schnapps led to his long Bleep among the goblins of the Katskills, the Operatic section of the New Zealand Natives' Association attempted a task almost herculean. "Kip Van Winkle" is a comic opera, which, abounds in opportunities lor fine acting and good singing. Its music is beautiful but difficult, and many of its situations require the touch of genuine art to save them from leaden dullness. To say that these opportunities were all taken advantage of by the performers last night would not be correct, although it is but just to mention at the outset that both principals arid chorus acquitted themselves with credit in several of the scenes. There was, however, a lack of life, of "vim" or "go," about them that was most noticeable in the first act. Although the chorus possessses a fine body of voice (more than sixty performers being at one time on the stage in the finales), and under the able tuition of the conductor, Mr H. Wells, had learnt the nwijc correctly, something more than mere singing is required. Readiness in picking up cues and smoothness of action are vital necessities. Probably the weakness of the chorus, which was occasionally evident in this respect, arose from the fact that the stage manager, Mr H. H. Rayward, was also playing the name part, a representation requiring a vast deal of work, and found his dual duties somewhat too much for him. The opera was staged and dressed with a completeness and attention to detail that would challenge comparison with professional companies. The excellent drosses lent by Mr Tom Pollard had been improved upon by the ladies, and the effect was almost perfect.

The part of Gretchen (Rip's wife) was taken by Miss Alexander, who possesses a pleasing stage presence, but lacks animation. She has a sweet, although not very powerful, voice, and song with expression and feeling. Her solos in the second act and also the "Letter Song" in tlie character of Alice in the third act, were capitally, sung. Miss Maud Graham made an excellent Katrina. She played the part with spirit and confidence, and her solo at the commencement of the second act was an artistic success. Misses G. Partridge and Bell, took the minor roles of village gossips creditably. Rip Van Winkle is a character which, to be successfully pourtrayed, requires a knowledge of histrionic art and a good tenor voice. Mr Rayward undoubtedly possesses the former qualification in a marked degree, although one is inclined to di'sagreo with his representation of the character in the goblin scene among the Katskilla as that of a scared and cowering captive, instead of a careless dare-devil. Mr Rayward's voice is, 'however, not sufficiently pcrwerfuL He was over-weighted in nearly all his solos, _nd he did not always sing in tune. His best was "The Thirsty Sun" in the third act. Into the part of Derrick Mr Winter Hall put conscientious work, and some genuine art, although he was at times in___ed to be a little too melodramatic. The part of Peter Van Dunk (the- burgomaster) was taken by Mr F. W. Hobbs, who played it successfully, and certainly looked the part. But without"doubt tho honours of the evening fell to Mr W. A Bowring, first as Nick Yedder, and then as Jan, his son. It was a surprisingly good performance, and the mastery of broken Dutch—English whioh he showed almost led the audience to conclude that he had been reared not far from Pretoria,. ~*r T. H. Beckett was somewhat iincc-vincing as Knickerbocker, and Mr S. Colelcragh made a soldierly, bat rather nervous, Captain Rowley. High praise must be given to Mr H. G. Simms, who played the dual part of the First L : eutenant of the Goblin crew and Lieutenant Van Slous. Mr Simms has a sweet, clear tenor voice which procured him encores for both his numbers last night. Mr Sydney Bell, who assumed Hie rote of Hendrick Hudson, sang well and received an enthusiastic and deserved recall, and Mr A. J. Allan was almost equally successful in his singing of the Second Lieutenant's song. Mr Dundas Walker made a rather attenuated Goblin, and Messrs R. H. Thompson and_ R. W. Barry nlayed the Third and Fourth."Lieutenants." "Master Jack Pollard played little Hans, and tiny Miss M. Thompson made a pretty Alice. The trio which the two children staff "with Rip was excellently given. Miss Connie Kent was Leedle Jan, and Miss Edie Partridge played the Postman. A feature of the oDera was'the fine dancing introduced into the" various acts. In t_e first, Miss G. Karkeek, a little girl appropriately draped danced a clever and pleasing pas seul, which was redem-nded. The dance of the "Rhine Fay," by Miss Julie Sandstein in tbe second act, was a graceful and pretty performance, and was en-iusrasticalry rec__ed, as was also a ballet by eight young ladies, arranged by Mr Dundas Walker, which was danced in the last act A word of commendation is due to Mr Weils, the conductor. The orchestra was kept in band throughout the performance, and the entr'acte music was excellent.

Tho opera w3l be repeated every evening for a week.

CABLE NEWS.