POLLARD OPERA COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 244, 23 October 1901, Page 2

POLLARD OPERA COMPANY.

MARITANA.” Tiikatek-ookus never seem to tire of Wallace’s favorite opera “ Maritana.” Like old wine, it improves with age, and it certainly has much more body in it than many of the pieces that make up the repertoire of many of our opera companies. " Maritana ” contains so many popular songs that appeal to the hearts of Britishers that it will always live whilst there are music-lovers who are able to appreciate these charming solos. The reception of the opera by the audience last evening at the Theatre Royal told its own tale, and from the rise of the curtain to the last chorus there was a look of pleasure and satisfaction upon the faces of all present. “ Maritana ” possesses especial interest to us, says a Southern writer, because it is the only opera of note that any colonial has ever composed, and one which has stood the test of time. True, the piece was completed in London, but a great part of it had been scored in Sydney. There were other operas from the same pen which followed. “ Lurline,” “ The Desert Flower,” “ Matilda of Hungary,” and “ The Amber Witch,” but none reached the success of the composer’s first effort. In his earlier days, Wallace spent some time in the back blocks of New South Wales, and he was also made a prisoner in New Zealand by a band of Maoris in the stirring times of this colony, and he would have been promptly murdered, it is related by a kindly biographer, but for the interposition of the chief's daughter. So there was much romance surrounding the career of William Vincent Wallace. The company appeared at their best last evening, and the various characters were ably sustained. Miss May Beatty gave a charming interpretation of Maritana, and Mr Charles Carter made an excellent Don Cresar do Bazan. Mr D. O’Connor appeared as Don Jose de Santarem. He was in fine voice, and his singing was greatly enjoyed by all present. Mr F. Ralston as the King of Spain has a congenial part, and made the most of his opportunities. Mr George Young represented Aleade, Mr C. Braecy Captain of the Guard, Mr W. S. Percy Marquis de Montepore, Miss Annie Curtice the Marchioness de Montepore, and Miss Agnes Smith, Lazarillo. Tire dancing of Miss Rose Evesson was a feature of the second act, and was a most artistic performance. The opera was splendidly staged, and was enthusiastically received by the audience. To-night the latest London success, “■ The Casino Girl,” will be produced.