THE STANTON OPERA COMPANY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12557, 19 July 1901, Page 5

THE STANTON OPERA COMPANY.

“FRA DIAVOLO.” The matinee of “ Fra Diavolo ” given, yesterday afternoon by the Stanton Opera Company was a pronounced success, the theatre being packed to the doors in all parts. The opera went with a swing and brightness that were most commendable, and the reception accorded to it certainly lacked nothing in the matter of enthusiasm. The sextet at, the end of the second act was a particularly charming piece of vocalisation, and was honoured .with a vigorous double encore. “GIROFLE GI'ROPLA.” Last night the company billed, the third selection from its mixed repertoire, a return being, made to comic opera proper by the production of Lecocq’s sparkling and tuneful favourite “ Girofle Glrofla." This merry musical conceit was, in many respects, the best performance so far of the season. Well cast and well written, the grip, 'both histrionically and vocally, of the members of the company, it went with a crispness and dash that earned for it a generally warm appreciation. Once again Miss Stanton herself displayed her ready ability to sustain a wealth of work with credit to her talents. In the dual title role she showed to conspicuous advantage. Her sinking was marked by her customary easy vigor, and her .performance generally was bright and cheery. Probably her most convincing musical number was the jovial wine song of the second act, a scene which was played with a charming abandon just sufficiently restrained to rob it of any trace of the objectionable. Mr J. C. Harvey supplied the comic element as Hon Bolero, and has won for himself a reputation as a comedian of exceptional parts. Mr George Lyding, as Marasquin, and Mr Kunkel as Mourzouk were excellently cast, and both did good work. Miss Clara WV donnas Aurora, Miss Goodrich as Paquita, and Miss Bertha Nilsson as Pedro also gave*a good account of minor parts. 6 Owing to it having been originally announced* that a matinee would be given on Saturday next, Mr Hallam, in order to keep faith with the public, has decided to give an afternoon performance on that date. The piece to be produced will bo announced to-morrow. “Girofle Glrofla” will be repeated this evening.