THE OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVI, Issue 2274, 2 August 1894, Page 2

THE OPERA HOUSE.

“ MAEITANA.” Wallace’s " Maritana,” with its undying melodies, is one of the gems of English opera, and it never fails to attract. Therefore it was not surprising to find a largo audience at the Opera House last night to witness its first production by the Mon-tague-Turnor Company. The lower part of the house was crowded, while the dress circle was comfortably filled.. Maritana has always been one of Miss Annis Montague’s favourite characters, and she sings the beautiful music as well, we might say better, than ever. She sang “ The Harp in the Air ” sweetly, but it was in the old favourite “ Scenes thatare Brightest” thatshe was heard to the greatest advantage. Miss Montague sang this number as only a true ■artist could sing it, and the audience made an enthusiastic demand for an encore, which was complied with. Several handsome bouquets were also handed to her at the conclusion of this song. She scored another success in the duet “ Oh, Sainted Mother ” with Miss Cicely Staunton. This was one of the gems of the evening. Miss Montague dressed the character beautifully, wearing several rich costumes. Miss Cicely Staunton, who has made herself quite a favourite, scored a decided success as Lazarillo. She sang “ Alas, those Chimes ” charmingly, and had to repeat it. With the prima donna Miss Staunton shared the honours in the duet “ Oh, Sainted Mother.” Miss Staunton also acted the part well. Mr Walshe has improved as Don Caesar do Bazan. While his performance still lacks the vigour that is necessary for a successful representation of the gay and reckless Spaniard who considers that “two years would not suffice for him to confess his sins in,” it is a decided improvement upon anything he has previously done in Wellington. He sang very much better than ho acted. The famous cavatina “ Let Mo Like a Soldier Fall” was his best effort, and an encore had to be complied with. He was also successful in “ There is a Flower,” and in the duet with Maritana in the last act. Mr Farley was suffering from a slight cold, but he sang the musio'allotted to Don Jose excellently. Ho was heard to most advantage in “ Happy Moments.” Mr Fred England as the King left nothing to be desired. Ho sang “Hear Mo, Gentle Maritana,” splendidly. The characters of the Marchioness, Marquis, Aloade," Captain of the Guard, were filled by Miss Ada Moxon, Mr W. P. Morrison, Mr 0. McKiernan and Mr George Haswell. The chorus did their work well, the audience being' particularly pleased" with their singing of “ The Angelus,” and the orchestra, under the conductorship of Mr Harcourt Lee, played the music effectively. The audience, which we have already said was a large one, was also enthusiastic, and consequently the opera went splendidly from start to finish. “ Maritana ” wi}l be repeated on Saturday evening, and judging frorq the reception giyeq to it last night, there should be a large attendance. His Excellency the Governor and a party from Government House will be present. To-night Lecocq’s sparkling opera-bouffe " Girofle-Girofla ” will be repeated,