The “Sorcerer.”

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 184, 18 August 1888, Page 2

The “Sorcerer.”

Notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather last night there assembled at the Theatre Royal a good house to witness the production ot Gilbert and Sullivan’s masterpiece of comic opera. This opera when first produced at the Opera Comique in 1877, ran over 300 nights, and was received with still greater enthusiasm when revived in 1884 at the Savoy Theatre. The first act opens with a garden scene at the entrance to the mansion ot Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, where villagers are assembled tn greet the hero and heroines and annonnoe their betrothal in the chorus. “ Ring forth ye bells." The recitative and aria, " When he is here." by Constance (Miss Adair), was pleasingly rendered, and received well-merited applause and bouquets. Miss Taylor had a clear conception of her nart as Mrs Bartlett, and acted it well all through. Mr P. Dufaur very successfully sustained the role ot Mr Daly. His rendition ot “ Time was when love and I were well acquainted " being a finished performance. Messrs Grant and Dalrymple represented Sir Marmaduke and Alexis in a capital style. Miss Holroyd (Aline) and Mrs Matthews (Lady Sangazure) could hardly be improved upon, the former’s singing of “ Happy young heart” being very pleasing, and Lady Sangazure achieving suecess in her items. The duet by Lady Sangazure and Sir Marmaduke was received with much applause, as well as bouquets. The ensemble with chorus “ All ia prepared " was certainly the best chorus given. Mr Woodward was immense as the wizard, and the audience were quite taken up with the incantation scenes. The second act was gone through splendidly, and we regret that space prevents a ranch tullsr notice. Mr Harvy anted as conductor, and Mrs P. Dufaur presided at the pianoforte and Mr Airey at the orcan. The Indy choristers were Mesdamas Smith, Karr, Marean, Johnston, Brown, and Berry, Misses Johnston, Grey, Langford, Walters (2). Von der Heyde, Wyllie, and Lunn (2). The performance will be repeated this evening, and it the weather is only more favorable, a far greater success than last night may be expected.