SIMONSEN'S ROYAL ENGLISH AND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY "LA DAME BLANCHE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6063, 23 April 1881, Page 4

SIMONSEN'S ROYAL ENGLISH AND ITALIAN OPERA COMPANY "LA DAME BLANCHE."

"Tnß White Lady of Avexel" is an English version of this opera, which is specially celebrated for its adaptation of some of the tenderest melodies of Scotland to the purposes of the lyric drama. The story upon which it is founded will be found in Sir Walter Scott's story of "The Monastry;" and., like all its stories, it is simple, but almost perfect in point of form. Then, again, they have this characteristic, that the personages are full of life and purpose. The Lord of Avenel was attainted after the battle of Culloden. Before the attainder he had committed his heir to Gaveston, hia steward (Mr. Ernest St. Clair), to be brought up and educated. False to his trust, he pnt the child on an American ship, giving him in charge to the captain to be disposed of. Anna (Madame Simonsenj, a ward of Gavestou, was the attendant of the last lady of Avenel, and remembered her benefactress in allegiance to the family interest. Gaveston proposes to buy the domains of the Lords of Avenel, and has them put up for public sale. Anna obtains the services of Dickson, a farmer (Mr. J. Crain)> to bid against Gaveston at the public sale. A youug officer named George Brown (Signor Bianchi) has appeared in the neighbourhood, who tails in love with Anna, and when Dickson's bidding is exhausted she instructs her lover to bid to any amount in excess of 'Gaveston's offers. There is a legend in the Avenel family that their fortunes arc followed by a " white lady" whose statue stands at the foot of the grand staircase. Anna, assumes the raiment of the "white lady," and prompts the loyalty of the retainers in apparitions at various times. Tke captain of the vessel to whom the young: • Avenel was entrusted dies in an English hospital, and discloses the compact tritnGaveston to get rid of the heir. Thenar turns out to bo the young officer. The manner in which several fine old Scotch ai» are adapted is wonderfully skilful. These pair sag--"s are replete with musical beauty. Sicnor Bianehi's acting and singing were, as usual, variable and unequal. Madame Simonseu's singing was all that could be desired. Viss Martina Simousen, as Jenny Dickson, the farmer's wife, sang with her accustomedease. Miss Frances Simonsen, as Margaret,, sang that part evenly and well. Mr. Wentworth, as Mclrton, the Bailee, was very, effective. Mr. Crain sang exceedingly well. As a whole, there w<»s an apparent want of. preparation in the performance, but the opera could not be adequately rehearsed ill the iutervals allowed by the production of a fresh opera every night. It is sure to be excellent to-nuht, when it will be repeated. It is a delightful opera, and should be heard and seen while there is the opportunity by every lover of music.