CARY’S BABYS IN “CHILPERIC."

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 6272, 19 May 1881, Page 4

CARY’S BABYS IN “CHILPERIC."

Herve’s comic opera, as rendered by Mr. R. W. Cary’s juvenile troupe last evening, at the Theatre Royal, may be well described as a new sensation in theatrical experience. The little folks who did_ so well in “ Pinafore ” have, under careful tuition, essayed a higher flight, and although the attempt has been an ambitious one, they have achieved a measure of success which few anticipated. It would savor too much of indiscriminate praise to say that they rendered this vivacious opera in strict accordance with ordinary conceptions, and stage manners and customs, but they gave a rendition all their own—original, pretty, and thoroughly enjoyable. If points in dialogue were missed, and equivoque disregarded, there were at least many compensating features in the unexpected business introduced, and the innocency, freshness and thorough pleasure of the entire performance. To tbe youngsters engaged therein it was a gala play, to the spectators a jolly evening’s amusement. We scarcely know how to criticise, for ordinary dramatic canons will not apply. “Chilperic,” as played by regular professionals, depends as much upon the “go ” and etjpicylerie in dialogue and “cbic” action as on the perfection of the vocalisation introduced. The little folks last evening, knowing nothing of conventional stageisms, invented “ business ” of their own, which eclipsed in unexpected effects the studied efforts of mature and stage-worn artistes. “Chilperic” in its various renditions has been toooften debased and turned into unmititigated burlesque. We can sincerely congratulate Mr. Cary on avoiding any tendency in such direction in the training of his youthful pupils. Propriety is well observed, and yet none of tbe legitimately-attractive adjuncts of a stage performance are omitted. Concerning the vocalisation of the youthful troupe, much may be said in its praise—they have conquered difficulties which even practised vocalists have, found trouble in; the choruses, albeit now and then a little out of tune and too vigorous, ar» well rendered, and in tbe concerted pieces the young voices blend harmoniously. We shall not on this, the first occasion, particularise the performance of each leading member ■ of the company, because we feel assured that on the second and succeeding performances any defects apparent last night will have pas.-ed away, but we may say that little Lena Robinson, as “ Chilperic,” is a marvel of inherent histrionic talent, fairly astonishing even those who have watched, step by step, her short career on the beards. There is a great future before this clever little lady under favoring auspicesYoung Willie Cary, as Dr. deuce, proves himself a worthy chip of the paternal block. But here we must forbear ; it is scarcely fair topraise one or two and leave tbe rest unmentioned, and we defer general mention till the youngsters have made one more appearance, feeling assured that then they will, one and all, merit praise. The piece is well the dresses rich in coloring and in excellent taste, and the entire performance well worthy the patronage of Wellington citizens.