THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10835, 19 August 1898, Page 5

THE OPERA HOUSE.

At the Opera House last night, an Amateur Dramatic and Burlesque Club, under the management of Marcella Alexander (late of the Gaiety Company and Rickard's Tivoli Company), commenced a short season. There was a fair attendance. The pieces staged were the drama " Aurora Floyd " and a burlesque "Belle of the Barley Mow." A very fair representation of the drama was given, and making due allowance for the fact that it was the opening performance most of the artists acquitted themselves creditably. Special mention should be made of the representations of Marcella Alexander, who appeared in the title role, and acted consistently throughout; Miss Gertrude hsdaille, as the designing and -treacherous companion, Mrs. Powell; Mr. P. J. Blackmail, as Mat Harrison, the "dog fancier;" and Mr. G. Newsome, who played the part of the crafty rustic, Steve Hargreaves. The other characters were portrayed by Miss Frances Russell and Messrs. E. S. Fort. P. Hayes, G. H. Clifford, and A. H. Meade. The murder scene in the wood, the interview between Hargreaves and Aurora Floyd, and the discovery of the identity of the real murderer, were the most effective. In the burlesque, which followed Marcella Alexander, attired in a costume which showed her splendid figure to advantage, sang " Soldiers of the Queen - and " Dolly Daydream." Mr, P. Blackman created considerable amusement with his comic specialties. Miss Gertrude Esdaille sang. "A Summer Shower" and "Love's Serenade " in good style ; and Mr. E. S. Fort contributed two vocal items. The drama, and burlesque will be repeated this evening. -T -i'-.# •