THEATRE ROYAL.—ENGLISH COMIC OPERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5497, 30 June 1879, Page 5

THEATRE ROYAL.—ENGLISH COMIC OPERA.

Lecocq's comic opera " Girofle Girofla" was repeated on Saturday evening to a fair house, with the same cast as on the previous evenings—Don Bolero D'Alcarazas, Mr. Hodson ; Marasquin, Mr. 0. Harding ; Mourzjuk, Mr. Riccardi; Chief Pirate, Mr. R. Love ; Fernand Guymaa, Phillip (cousins of Girofla), Mr. Wilson, Mr. Barnam, Mr. Klingenfield ; Grandfather, Mr. Scott; Dancer, Mr. Mason ; Pedro, Miss Teague; Parquita, Mias Hunter; Aurora, Miss Heath; Girofla, Girofle (twin daughters of Aurora Bolero), Miss Leaf. We presume that under ordinary circumstances the production of this exquisite operetta would have been a greater success, for it certainly io, in a musical sense a very brilliant piece of composition. Bat the weather during the week had been so inclement, and the counter attractions had been so potential as as to allow this meritorious entertainment to be comparatively neglected. It is, moreover, a novelty of exceptional excellence. As for the performance itself, it is in many respects much above average professional standard. That those who had, with great spirit, provided public amusement of a high .class should themselves have reoeived rather lenten entertainment is a matter for regret. But the claims upon the public will not, iUiring the present week, be so exacting, and it is to be hoped that better weather will bring better houses. As to the performance on Saturday night it was of ,i really high order of merit. We have never heard Mr. Harding to greater advantage. For his rendering of " I'm The Son of Marasquin " i he was encored, ncd the duet between him and Mias Leaf, ,; Hoff nice we'H be," was loudly and deservedly applauded. Miss Lsaf mikes perhaps the greatest hit in " Girofle Girofla." Her singing the exquisite song, "See how it sparkles," brought down the house, and the andience demanded its repetition. Mr. Riccardi as Mourzouk is a performance of extraordinary completeness and finish. Miss Tea.gue as Pedro is excellent, and Miss Hunter as Parquita sang with taste and effect. Mr. Hodson as Bon Bolero is also deserving of high commendation. Taken, therefore, as a whole tbe performance is one that trill repay the attendance of those who love good musio, or the ordinary playgoer. Mr. Brown, in addition to the responsibility of conductor, now takes the piano, and this accompaniment is an improvement. The opera will be repeated to-night. On Wednesday night will be the last performance of Lecocq's charming coinio opera "Girofle Girofla," and that, on this, occauion, our popular baritone, Mr. Charles * Harding, will take a well-earned benefit. This is the last week of the season.