JUVENILE OPERA TROUPE.- "H.M.S. PINAFORE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6559, 24 November 1882, Page 5

JUVENILE OPERA TROUPE."H.M.S. PINAFORE."

Me*sus. Stanley and Darbyshire's Juvenile Opera Troupe commenced their season last evening in the Opera House, and fully sustained the reputation for finish and vivacity which preceded them. The house was well filled, though not crowded in the dress circle, but the performance was received with evidences of satisfaction, amounting, in some instances, to enthusiasm. The crew were presented on board Gilbert and Sullivan s well-known craft "H.M.S. Pinafore. Seldom have such mites been put forward on the stage, and to this troupe belongs the honour of having the smallest Sir Joseph Porter, K..C.8. The niece is mounted very effectively, the staging is correct, the dresses accurate and appropriate, and the tout ensemble manifests careful forethought and excellent training. The mechanical effects, the moving steamers and boats, are also excellent, and there are several features introduced which are novelties, some of which would ne doubt astonish the talented authors. Miss Dolly Inman sustained the arduous role of Sir Joseph Porter, and never was official dignity so burlesqued as it is by this pompous little lady. She acquitted herself very creditably in the songs. Miss F. Graupner played Josephine with remarkable judgment for one so young, and displayed an insight into the meaning of the text and an expressiveness which was remarkable. She also sang well, and was repeatedly applauded, especially in some of the duets. Miss Lizzie Kirkness we believe it was who played Hebe, and a very charming representation she gave. On the whole, the entertainment was very successful. It displayed careful culture and training, and a versatility of talent very remarkable in such young children. It will, no doubt, continue to draw good houses, for not only are the I leading offices of "H.M. a. Pinaforo" ade- • quately filled, but the greatest attention is paid to details, and nothing is left undone 1 which could tend to ensure success.