THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4218, 26 September 1874, Page 4

THE OPERA.

The favorite opera of " Maritana " was produced at the Theatre Royal last night, to an excellent house, and its representation was, on the whole, in accordance with the success which has hitherto attended the company's efforts, although in the second act it rather dx-agged for a time. Miss May acted and sang with all her accustomed brilliancy and sweetness, and for her " Scenes that are brightest" received quiteashowerof bouquetsand an encore. She and Mr. Hallam also achieved a great success in the duet "Maritana," which was very sweetly sung by both. As Don Casar de Bazan Mr. Hallam acted particularly well, and secured great applause for the manner in which he gave " Let Me Like a Soldier Fall," and "The Memory of the Past." Miss Lambert made a very nice little page, and displayed the powers of her pleasant contralto voice with great taste in " Alas, those Charms" in the lower notes of which she was particularly sxiccessful ; the merit of her performance was not allowed to pass unrecognised and she received a well-merited and unanimous encore. The beautiful appealing prayer " Sainted Mother" was exquisitely given by Miss May and Miss Lambert, and was rapturously applauded, as well indeed it deserved, being, perhaps, the gem of the evening. In the character of Don Jose, Mr. Itainford appeared perhaps to better advantage than he has yet done this season; and although his acting would admit of more spirit, he makes amends by the tasteful use of his splendid voice, which never sounded better than in tho solo "In Happy Moments," which the audience insisted on having repeated. "No my Courage," also suited his voice admirably, and in it he was successful ; but it rather lacked spirit. Mr. Levison certainly did not make the most of his opportunity in the fine appeal, " Hear me, Maritana," and it went very flatly. With this exception, however, the very pleasing opera was well performed, and the many little gems of solos and duets were done ample justice to by those to whose abilities they were entrusted. " Martha" will be repeated to-night, and from the sweet soft music with which it abounds, it should be played to a crowded house, that is if the taste for music hitherto displayed by the public of Wellington be any criterion. The scenery and effects alone in this opera are well worth going to see, and the manner in which it was put on the stage on Thursday night was particularly creditable to the company.