"THE MERRY WIDOW"

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 33, 2 November 1917, Page 3

"THE MERRY WIDOW"

ROYAL COMIC OPERA COMPANY "The Merry Widow," a comic opera in three acts, by Franz Lclinr. Cast:— Prince Danilo Leslie Holland Marquis of Casoada. Yillicvs Arnold M. do St. Brioche .Jack Italston Goneral NovikoviUih Dick Shortluiid Nisch : Clyde Cook Waiter at It.uim's Alfred Andrey Vicorato Oaiuilio do Jolidou It. ltobcrts Baron Popoff Tliil Smith Natalie Florence ioung Olga, Addic Leonard Sylvnlne Karjorie Bray Praskovia Jcssio Gauyn Sonia ... Slinnic Lovo

The. popularity of Lehar's delightfully flirtatious and ever so melodious comic opera, "The Merry Widow," irluch was revived once more by the Royal Comic Opera Company at tho Grand Opera Houso before an audience that filled every seat (despite the imposition of the war tax), remains undimmod. From a musical point of view the "Widow" scorc3 heavily over most comic operas of recent birth, being starred with several beautiful and haunting numbers, and an orchestration that is a sheer pleasure to listen to. Its atmosphere is frankly free, but it is all h'eated in sucli a light, airy comedy manner that no offence is conveyed. The revival, is interesting because there are those in loading characters that ono would scarcely expect to see, pi ore by token of the vocal qualities required. Miss Minnie Love's assumption of the role of Sonia (tho merry widow) was one of the surprises—a pleasant one, let it be said. Her sweet voice, rather frail perhaps in places where prima donna power is needed, traversed the score without fault, and that air of tender wistfulness with which she clothed tho heart interest of Sonia enhanced tho sentiment of tlie story considerably. It was not perhaps an iznpcccablc performance, but one which will increase everyone's respect for this clover .actress, who is difficult to miscast. Her acting 1 in the glamorous love-making waltz, her delicate elan in tho "Silly Horseman" duet, and her sweet rendering of the legend in the 6ecoiul act were features that told in Miss Love's favour. Mr. Leslie Holland, likeable actor and clever comedian as le is, was not the ideal Danilo. After all Danilo is tho leading baritone, and much of the music suffered through Mr. Holland's vocal shortcomings. "Very wisely he stresses the com:dy rather than the romantic angle of the part, and did so with much technical adroitness. No part was more successfully played than the purely comic role of Baron Popoff by Mr. thil Smith. His -niaint little figure, his endless stream of funny gags and lively business kept the c tage alive throughout the evening. Mr. Smith is the best Popoff we have seen. _ Miss Florence Young was excellent as Natalie (Popoff's giddy wifj), and Mr. Reginald Roberts as De Jolidon filled that important role most competently in every respect. Good character sketches of an amusing kind were provided by_ Mr. Clyde Cook as Nisch, Mr. Villiers Arnold as the Marquis of Coscada, and Sir. Dick Shortland as the fobbing General Novikovich. The work of rhe orchestra, under Mr. Harry Burton, was a constant delight.

"THE PINK LADY" TO-NIGHT. The season will close to-nighf; with a revival of "The Pink Lady," which,had a particularly successful run at the opening of the season. The box plan will bo on view at the Bristol until 5 o'clock, and afterwards. seats may be reserved at the Opera House confectionery.