THE POLLARD SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11824, 29 November 1901, Page 6

THE POLLARD SEASON.

" THE BELLE OP NEW YORK."

ENJOYMENT reigned supreme' at the Opera House last night, not only amongst the large audience who witnessed the Pollard Opera Company's revival of "The eBUe of New York but also very evidently amongst the performers themselves. In any case it seemed as though the bright and. sparkling piece wa3 infectious in its gaiety, and the result was something gratifying in the way of success. Imbued with the light and frolicsome spirit of this enticing musical comedy the Pollaro3 put iheir heart and soul into its interpretation, and, bevond a doubt, they fairly eclipsed all previous efforts and gave indisputable evidence of their all-round talent. From first to last the plav was carried shoulder high upon an effervescing wavs of energy, and there was not a dull moment throughout. That all the credit of such a fine performance belongs to the piece itself is not a fact, for, however delightful, however bright it may be, it would fall flat in incapable or careless hands. The companv individually and collectively are to be congratulated upon the fact that they gave as excellent a presentation as they have ever given in this city. The audience were not slow to recognise this, as the frequency of their applause and the encoring of the best known features plainly showed. It was a merry performance, and its repetition will assuredly not be given to empty benches. Miss May Beatty reappeared in her accustomed role, Violet Gray, and pave a charming impersonation of the character. She sang delightfully, and made a clever contrast between the Salvation Army lass and the heiress to a millionaire. Her first solo, * They Always Follow Me," with its haunting refrain, was sung with great delicacy and tact. In the lively air, " The Purity Brigade," she was bright and piquante, and she richly deserved both the encores which followed. The part on the whole, is one eminently suited to Miss May Eeatty's style and talent. Miss Gertie Campion was chic and sprightly as the French girl, Fifi Fricot. Her singing was sweet, especially iu the pretty duet with Mr. Carter, " When "We Are Married," and in " Teach Me How to Love." In the solo, "La Belle Parisienne." she was sufficiently coquettish, her vocalisation being at all times enjoyable. Miss Nellie "Wilson made the most of her opportunities in the role of Cora Angelicme, sinking and dancing with good effect. The performance of Mr. Alf Stephens as Ichabod Bronson was a distinct advance upon anything he has given during the season. The part is one of the best, if not the best, in the piece, and requires a very decided vein of humour in its enactment. Mir. Stephens cleverly succeeded in making it take its place iust where it belonged, and was the cause of a great deal of amusement. His first solo, "Of Course You Can Never Be Like Us," was roundlv applauded and deservedly encorei. His " business" in the duet with Miss Wilson, " Yav Your Little Head Upon My Shoulder," was dryly humorous. His best °ffort, however, was in the solo " And a Cloud Came O'er His Brow," an excellent comic song, which resulted in no less than four encores. In the trio, " Plump Girls. Slender Girls." Mr. Stenhens also sustained his share admirablv. and this was a number twice recalled. Mr. Charles Carter, as Harry Bronson. portrayed tho young spendthrift splendidly. His singing was greatly appreciated, all his solo work being encored. He has never sung better than in the solo, '* T'were Bravely Done." almost the last item in the °econd act. The drunken song and scene in the first act he also carried through most successfully. Mr. Harry Quealy was decidedly humorous 33 " Bhnky Bill," a Bowery " tough " and pugilist. His vocal items, "She is the Belle of New York," and " Logan's Fancy Ball." both accompanied by clever dancing, were very favourably received. He was capablv assisted by Miss Jessie Ramsay, as Mamie Clancy. Mr. W. Perqy was seen in his old part as Karl von Pompernick, the polite lunatic, who " just dropped in to kill Bronson." As usual his comicalities were productive of roars ot laughter. Mr. Dave O'Connor played two or three parts, and in that of Billy Breeze gave a fine rendering of the patriotic solo " We'll Stand and Die Together." In two minor roles he was very humorous. Other characters were well played by Messrs. Jark O'Snllivan (Doctor Snifkins\ Geo. Young (Kenneth Mugg), Albert and Shortland (a duo of Counts),' C. Vaughan •Twiddles), and A. Mnrphv (Ah Bung). Miss Wilmot Karkeek made a good deal of the small part of Kissie Fitzgarter. The work of the chorus was splendid, all the musical numbers being vigorously and tunefully sung, their effect being Greatly enhanced by the verve and life of their " business." Prettily mounted and squally prettily staged, the piece left nothing to be desired. It will be staged for two more nights, and at a matinee on. Saturday. j