"MANUELLA"

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 490, 24 April 1909, Page 13

"MANUELLA"

. "Manuella," the extravaganza written by Mr. J. Y. Biroh, of Auckland, and composed by Mr. T1i03,-Humphreys, which was so heartily recoived in Auckland last week, is to be produced in /Wellington 'a little later'on. Of the new work the "Star" Bays;' "Tho truo test of extravaganza is surely tho amount of laughter such a piece is capablo'of evoking. The very name is synonymous with gaiety, absurdity, aiid oven nonsense. It is essential, of course, that cleverness should. bo displayed by the author in presenting Ilia nonsensical situations. He sets himself .out to travesty common sense, and unless he bo talented, the result Will inevitably be anything but convincing. Mr.: J. Youlin Birch,, the young Auckland author of the libretto and lyrics of "Manuella/"—well known as the writer of "A Moorish Maid"—possesses. this ' talent to a marked degree, in this present work he has conceived a plot which lends itself to ludicrous''. treatment, and with raro constructive ability he has taken. advantage 'ef this fact v to build Up a geriesof situation's that Way bo described as ridiculously funny. Bis dialogue is "crispj and his lyrics ftfe of a high standard. One should. not fail'to note the many evidences of Mr. Birch's stage technique, and of his skilful character, drawing, in which ho exhibits a gift of contrasts. Tho second act of "Manuella" is eveh better than the first, jriasiflUoh as the comedy elomcrit,. instead •of falling away, increases.. Regarding the music, which is from tho pen of Mr.. Thomas Humphreys, a|so of Auckland, it shows a distinct advanco on Jiis , . previous compositions.' In character and melody alike tho "Manuella" score Is altogether in keeping with .tho". "book." it is bright, sparkling, vivacious, and what is termed catchy. Particularly npticenbio is tho composer's good work ill interpreting the various, ideas contallied in the lyrics, whether they be sentimental or humorous. Mr. Humphreys has striven after iio lofty ideals, confining himself chiefly to airs and waltz refrains of a light and tuneful character. There are several effectivo choruses, of which the opening one is perhaps the best musically." The principal parts were assumed by Miss Alice VflUghan, Hi: Arthur Hast, Mr: Lawrerico Abrahams, Miss" V. Voii Meyern Miss Emily ; Holmes, ■ Mr. Ned Fort, Mr! H. C. Borradale, and Mt. J. King. Mr! Thomas Humphreys made an efficient stage manager. ~ . '■■.■ ■ ,