ENTERTAINMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 455, 13 March 1909, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

. _4 ■-. POLLARD OPERA COMPANY. "RIP VAN WINKLE." "Rip Van Winkle," a comic opera in three ■ nets, by Robert Planquette. Cast:— ! Hip Van Winkle ...... Mr. Chares Albert Derrick Von Slotis Mr. J. Willie. Peter Von Dnlik ......... Mr. Ernest Schatz. 1 Diedrich Knickerbocker i Mr. George Edwards. Cijpl. Hugh Rowley Miss May Topping. Kick Vcddei' Mnslw Bert Nicholson. (irelclieu > Miss Minnie Topping. K:\lrlim Miss Cissie O'Kcefe. ; Huns , Trisie Ireland. i Alice : j Alma Aldolis. . Ctitit. Hoindrik Hudson Mr. .1-. Willis. Ist. Liotilonaut Miss Cissie O'Kcefe. 2nd. Lieutenant Miss Clarieb Bucklnan. The Goblin .Steward '■ Master Nnrirtan Mudford. Alice Van Winkle ... Miss Minnie Topping. ' I.ioUt. Hans Von Slous Miss H. Ileitis. Jan Vedder Master 13. Nicholson. I'lying I'ay Miss Uossib Foy. When legitimate comic opera comes under consideration tho works of Robert Planquetto I must bo given a high placq in the estima- ! tion. Only three operas'' of note were I Written by him—"Lcs Cloches do Corne- . Wile," "Paul Jones," and "Rip Van Winkle," each of which has claims perhaps • creator than the quaint masterpieces of Gili Iwrt and Sullivan, who, in collaboration, wrote for the most part around the topic or fad of the hour and brilliantly. One inirdit make so bold as to say that such works' as "Los Cloches" and "Rip Vim Winkle" will be produced again and again when futuro genoVatioiiß will not bo able to comprehend, without the awkward explanatory note, what Gilbert and Sullivan were Riming at in such operas as "Patienco" and "Pinafore." There is nothing outre about Planquette, who is mnstcr of the rare art of wedding excellent nuisio of the lighter order to substantially dramatic stories. "Rip Van Winkle," revived by the Pollard Opera Company at the Opera House last evening, has for its thenio the old legend of the 'Cuatskills. In his own cle.vor and subtle way the composer has turned this legend" into a (iuo opera, centring in the highly picturesque Dutchman after whom tho work is named. The opera, has been played in Wellington many times both professionally and by amateurs, and, on a notrtblu occasion, it wai staged in Australia with that eminent burlesque actor, Mr. Fred Leslie, in the name part. Having regard to the constitution of the Pollard Company, the present production is a very good one, notable indeed in respect to the' performance of the all-important role of "Rip" by Mr. Charles Albert. It is a part that many a good comedian would refuse, and in which just as many would foil if they accepted it, as it is olio that requires, in no ordinary degree, humour, pathos, dramatic power, a dash of the picturesque, the ability to assume character, and a good singing voice. Mr. Alberta's performance is a thoughtful study that titno and experience will round into something oven butter than tho excellent show ho made Inst night. Ho was good in the first two acts, but mado a special appeal to the emotions aa the tatt-erod'old derelict (in tho last act) who has slept in the mountains for 20 years. Hero Mr, Albert showed that he haß a lino appreciation of tho part which Planquetto has given a permanent pjaco to in opera. His nlnke-up was strikingly good, his voice was as tattered as his rags, and his acting, pathetic and humorous in turn, Was quite impressive. Ho was dressed a trifle too spick and enan in the first act for the vagabond "Rip," who has spent days and nights in tho mountains, and a little more ■abandon should accompany such pictnresquo untidiness. Among his vocal successes none was nioro sweetly given than tho trio with tho children, "These Little Heads," and, in the "Echo .Song," the bits of the- legend and his vocal association With Gretchon (Miss Minnie Topping) was quite satisfactory. That young lady was rather overweighted on tho whole, as tho double part— Gretclien in tho first and second acts and Ahco in tlio last—makes considerable Vocal demands. But Miss Topping's pleasing personality reached over tho ovidoncw of teaching, and sho won favour all through. Her chief vocal successes wero tho legend ("Oh. Bon-are , ') "Now tho Twilight," an. tho pretty t letter snug. . Mr. J. Willis played Derrich Van Slous on sound lines, and scored throughout, and Master Nicholson infused a good deal of humour into Nick Vedder, a rale tlia,t requires heavier metal in comedians. Mr. Schntz was Peter Von Dunk, and Mr. Geo. Edwards Diedrich Knickerbocker. Miss;" Cissirf O'Kecfe, who has a fine contralto Vfljce, wns distressingly riiattor-of-fnct in her acting, but vocally was a pillar of strength. Mr. J. Willis sang Hcindtik Hudson's soiig in the Kaatskills scene, and also carolled the rollicking Ninepins song, usually sun.e by tho First Licuteliant. Miss Clnrico Buckman exhibited n soprano voice of good quality and range in "My Pipe," but will do better when sho, gets past the nervous stage. Miss Bessie Fo.V danced effectively us tho Rhino Fay, and Master Mndford wns an inconsequential Goblin Steward. Miss Hems was successful in her sailor's song in tlio Inst act. The chorus suffered through lnclc of rrialo voices, but that trouble is constitutional, and need not bo oxnanded upon, though it is a serious defect. The orchestra under Mr. Brahms did very well indeed. The opera is adequately mounted, with the execution that the last act back sceno should differ entirely from' the first act nsneet. As a whole, tho opera was well produced by Mr, Pollard, and was received by a crowded _ audiencewith evorv manifestation of appreciation. Tt will bo played this afternoon, and for tho next four nights. FULLERS' PICTURES. Tho Theatre Royal was again well attended last ovciliug. To-night a complete change of pro;'.ramino is to bo given, which wi)l includo many of Pathe Frcies latest star films, entitled "Tho Land of tho Midnight Sun," showing extraordinary scones in tho region of tho North Polo. Another splendid film to be shown for tlio first time is entitled "The Bird-man," depicting Wilbur Wright's latest aerial machine and sensational flight. Tlio rest of tho programme contains a varied selection of new film subjects, which will l>6 shown to tho accompaniment of Edgar Collins's compact orchestra. THE ROYAL PICTURES. To say that tho present programme at Kis Majesty's Theatre is one of tho best the Royal Picture Syndicate has given its patrons would bo saying much, for during the fourteen months' season there hove' been shown exceptionally fino moving pictures, but tho programmo will stand comparison with tho best of its predecessors. It is brimful of variety. Its dramatic section is especially strong, whilst tho coniio series is much abovo tho average, and lliq industrial subjects, especially wscuit-making, are uncommonly interesting. Th'oro will bo a special matinco for cliildrer this afternoon. HAYDN BECK. Tho marvellous child violinist, Haydn Beck, and assisting artists, appeal , at tho Town Hall to-morrow evening. Ho is down for something of an ordeal —a Bach concerto Mid tho "Finalo" to Mozart's 15 Flat Concerto. By special request ho will play his charmitm "Serenade." Mr. Frank Moran (basso) and Mr. Ernest Parkcs (baritono) aro assisting. Miss Simpson will give a fluto solo, and Miss Amy Remington will act as accompanist. MILITARY TOURNAMENT. Tho, Military Tournament and Bazaar is drawing to a close, and those who havo not visited tho Rink during tho season linvo one more chanco of seeing the decorations and side shows. Last evening a crowded house appreciated tho endeavours of tho committee to ontertaiii, and good business was dono at tho various stalls. Mr. J. Hayward and Miss Rosio Lot'tua contributed items and wero compelled to givo encores. Tho tug-of-war between Spargo's team and All-Comers resulted in a draw. Sergeant Gardner (Highlanders) contributed a sword dance. Mr. H. Fleming aga.in accompanied the songs and dances, and his efficient playing gvwitly assisted tho performers. Sergeant Griffith's gavo a banjo solo. A special matinee is announced for this afternoon, when Punch unci Judy will appear, nlso Muriel and Joev late of Wonderland, Tho final pull for the" military trophy will tnke place to-night between Zcoalandiaa and D liittorj.