THE OPERA COMPANY.

Evening Post, Volume XLIX, Issue 98, 26 April 1895, Page 2

THE OPERA COMPANY.

; "THE GOcvDOLIEBS" ; Tho putting off of the work now to Wel- ' f lington audiences and the putting on of one familiar to them had an electrical effect upon ' tlie attendance at the Opera Home last night and afforded another exemplification ot tho singularity which wo noted in refer- . ring to the production of '" Madame Favart." Iho reading has beon " Favart," low j and , last night it was " The Gondoliers," high; f and certainly tho performance justified the Rreatly larger attendance, for in "The ' Gondoliers " the company appears to most signal advantage. 1 heir interpretation of the i pretty, clever, and tuneful Gilbert-Sullivan work is one from which the best adult companies might learn lessons of thoroughness and heartiness ot chorus and ensemble, and i brightness and sparklo all round. No one in Wellington has yet got a3 much out of " Take a P.iir of Sparkling Eyes" as Miss i Mitcboll does, while Miss May Beatty's performance in this opera is artistic ; and there aro others of the principals who are I worthy of much commendation. ; MR. POLLARD'S BENEFIT. This ovening the Opera House should be crowded to the doors for Mr. Pollard's bene- ' fit. Not only is " 'J he Mascotto," like "'lhe . Gondoliers," ono of the very best prodnoj tions ot tho company, but thero are not . many managers who deserve so well of , their companies and of tbo public as Mr. Pollard, who have beou so ready to assist others and so honourable in all their ' relations, and tho serious Bet-back which 1 Mr. Pollard sustained in tho Pal mots ton ' Theatre firo, while it forms the reason of his benefit, is fresh in everyone's memory. Tho , benefit to-night will bo under the patronage , of tho Premier and a large number of leading [ citizens. To emphasise their view of Mr. j Pollard's business relations, the directors of tho Opera Honso Company have written to | Mr. Pollard conveying a resolution tender- . ing him thoir hearty sympathy in his loss by . tho Palmerston fire, offering him the Opera | Hou3o free of all rent and charges for the benefit, conveying a cordial appreciation of tbo estimation in which their relations with ■ Mr. Pollard have led them to hold him, and wishing him " a bumper house " — a wish in which we join.