CONCERT AT HIS MAJESTY’S.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2195, 26 September 1907, Page 2

CONCERT AT HIS MAJESTY’S.

In all respects tho programmo submitted for tile entertainment at tho Theatre last evening exceeded expectations, but tho sizo of tho “house” was not commensurate with tho merit of tho pcrlormanco. Orchestral selections, many high-class solos and concerted auusical numbers, and soino spectacular gems from “Tho Gondoliors” made up an oxcollout programme that wns thoroughly enjoyed by all, and reflected all credit on thoso responsible for its arrangement. From tho poimt of novolty and popularity, pride of place must bo awarded tlio chorus items from “Tho Gondoliers,” which wore given by special permission from Mr. J. C. AVilliamson. For somo timo pastjjinder the lead of Airs. Budkoridgo and other members of tho Gisborne Oporatic Society, a large number of ladies and gontlomon had been assiduously rehearsing tho “Cachuca” and “Gavotto” from Sullivan’s pretty opera. It may be said at the outset that an unqualified success was tho result in each instance, as was evidenced 1 by tho enthusiastic reception accorded those taking part. Tho staging was elaborate and the dressing sluporb, whilst tho performers were perfectly trainod both in tho choruses and dances. Tho stage presented a pretty spectacle as the spirited yot withal exceedingly graceful Cachuca was staged, and tho charming national costumes were a delight to all beholders. In tho second part come the “Gavotte,” of a more stately nature, hut lacking nothing of tho picturesqueness of its nrodecessor in elaborateness, tho Old AVorld costumes of both ladies and gentlemon being very striking. Tho kaleidoscopic color scenes wore heightened by well-mani-pulated lantern effects That a repetition of both was demanded is an evidence of tho popularity of these fine selections from the popular opera. The sympathetic and spirited orchestral music aided tho general effect of the perfect rhythm and unison observed in tho dancing. Tlio principals in tho Cachuca were Mrs. Buckeridge, Alisscs L. Power, .Grey, Maynard. Cussens, Simpson, Boylan, Ryan, and Neil, and Alessrs Al. Doyle, AV. Luttrell, Toat. C. Cooper, (Dr) Buckeridge. The Gavotte sets included Alesdames Buckeridge and Kennedy, Alisses Grey and Cussens, Alessrs AV. Luttrell. (Dr.) Buckeridge, C. Cooper and F. Teat.

Tho purely vocal part of the progtuimno opened with Lane’s “Country Dance.” The parts were sung by Alesdames Kennedy, Gardiner, and Buckeridge, Alessrs. Kissling, Buckoridge, and Teat, and the selection was admirably treated, the voices blending in jileasing harmony, and secured an undeniable encore. Air. Teat ivas in good voice for his solo, “For .tho King,” given with tho requisite spirit, his encore number, “Out on the Deep,” also meeting with approbation. A feature of tho first part was Airs. Buckeridge’s artistic interpretation of AValluce’s “Alas, Those Chimes,” which her cultivated voice of fine range and quality, supported by full orchestral accompaniment, rendered doubly attractive. The audience would not be content without a repetition, which was graciously given. Air. Norman Mail essayed the well-known “Off to Philadelphia,” but lacked the verve necessary to present the song in its best guise. Air. M. Lewis, attired in eccentric comedian’s get-up, supplied variety by a comic song on “Bachelors,” an amusing “patter” disquisition on the manners and customs of the unmarried fraternity, and some local allusions regarding shopping. A song of tho comic persuasion, “Life’s a Hollow Bubble,” followed. The orchestra (which was well balanced and rendered efficient service during the evening, under the baton of Air. Al. Foster) opened the second part with an overture. Mr. Kimptou. sang “Simon the Cellarer,” and as an encore “Once Again,” both being acceptable efforts. Aliss Eily Law, who possesses a sweet soprano voice, invested “AVlien the Birds Go North Again” (AVilleby) with tenderness and charm, and was recalled, her second solo being “Apart.” The bracketed bass songs, “The Gauntlet” " a.a h].u—L:uulU.‘l -Kv Vljv Griffiths, concluded tho vocal solos. Instrumental music was represented h.v two nicely-played ’cello solos by Air. J. Adair, a member of the orchestra, a quintette, “The Legend of the Chimes” (from “Robin Hood”), deliciously melodious, together with an encore part song, brought the concert to a close. Aliss Alcllhone played most of the accompaniments for the vocal items, Airs. Brownless also officiating. The programme will he repeated this evening, and a largo holiday crowd.should reward the efforts of tho organisers.