POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11346, 14 April 1900, Page 3

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY.

• ■"'■ "THE GEISHA" TO-NIGHT. It is almost safe to prophesy that the Opera House will be packed to its utmost capacity to-night, to greet this popular combination, and to witness the first production hero of the long-expected comic opera, "The Geisha," All the old favourites will be seen in the cast, while several new faces will be introduced. " The Geisha" is an immense favourite everywhere, and the reason of its popularity is not far to seek. It is exceptionally bright and tuneful, while the quaint Japanese surroundings give an ample scope for excellent, stage settings. (Several of the numbers are recognised musical gems. Mostly everybody is familiar with Mich favourites as'" Mollie Mine," " The Jewel of Asia," "Chon Kina," "The Interfering Parrot," and the justly celebrated 'Star of My Soul." The libretto is smart, and iaiily bristles with good things, many of .hem with almost a Gilbertian flavour. "The Geisha" may be best described as a musical extravangaza with a Japanese setting. As it is entirely new to a local audience, a short sketch of the plot, or story, may be of interest to our readers. Wun Hi has a tea-house at which there is a famous geisha, 0 Mimosa San, and a bevy of other pretty girls. When the first act opens Wun Hi and his beauties are anxiously awaiting a batch of amorous British ollicers, led by Lieutenant Fairfax, who happens to be engaged to Miss Molly Seamore, an English girl, who is visiting Japan with her aunt, Lady Constance Wynne, and a party of girls. The party, minus Molly, are inopportunely led to Wun Hi's establishment, and there find Fairfax and Mimosa. Complications are added to by the advent of the Japanese autocrat of the place, who desires to add Mimosa to bis establishment. He discovers that Fairfax is even then with her, and cancels the tea-house license and orders that the " apprentices" be sold at auction. Just before this decision Miss Seamore had arrived, and, unknown to the rest, been dressed as a geisha under the title of Roll I'oli San. When the sale tokos place the Marquis secures the "new geisha" dirt cheap, and Miss Seamore finds herself doomed to marry him. When the truth is discovered, Fairfax and Lady Wynne are dreadfully concerned to rescue Molly. They in due course succeed in doing this, and everything, of course, ends happily. The piece will be staged with all the exquisite native costumes, the lovely characteristic scenery, and the accessories as used in the Princess Theatre, Melbourne.

A steamer will leave the ferry too at halfpast ton a.m. and two p.m. to-day, for St. lleliers Bay and Rangitoto. To-morrow a steamer will leave at nine a.m. for the fishing grounds, for Home and Emu Buys, Motlllapu, at the same hour, and for St. Holiors Bay at half-past ten a.m. and two p.m. • Bedsteads: 100 cases, now opening up; all sizes and designs to please nil classes; our leading line in double size with brass rail at 38s 6d is wonderful value.—Toii6on Gaidick Company, Limited. ■."•': TUCKER'S BAKING POWDER. Once tried always used. Of all grocors and storekeepers. ■ . ,•/,.'.. TO CYCLISTS. ,\. - 1.-t of Henning and Dunlop tyres for Bale, from 15s, slightly Heuninif. Sr.unioystreet. :,. ■' '■. ' :