“IN TOWN.”

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2875, 18 July 1896, Page 2

“IN TOWN.”

The second of the Comic Opera Company's novelties was presented at tho Opera House lust night, and was witnessed by a largo and enthusiastic audience. It* tho enjoyment of the audience was to bo taken as a criterion of appreciation—and, after all, what bettor tost can be had;? —“In Town ” was an unqualified success. Laughter long and loud greeted every “good thing,” and enthusiastic applause followed nearly every song and dance. “In Town ”is a piece suited to tho altered taste of playgoeta who do not attend a theatre nowadays to bo bored by striving to follow tbo interminable windings of intricate plots with stereotyped endings, bat go to bo amused, to leave dull care and worry behind, and devote themselves for the nonco to real and genuine amusement. Tho mostconfirmed misanthrope could not help looking at things in a happier frame of mindaf tor spending a couple of hours with the 44 man about town.” 44 In Town ” may bo described as a combination of oomic opera and musical farce, cleverly dovetailed into each other, with a bright and sparkling dialogue, abounding in smart repartee, and with no plot to speak of. The principal characters wero creditably filled. Mias Juliet Wray, who is tho possessor of a well-cultivated voice, which she uses to advantage, is to bo congratulated on her Kitty Hetherton, which was capitally acted. She sang with fin© effect “Drekmlosa Rost,” but her best effort was in a duct with Mr Lauri in tho balcony soono. MUs Florence Young baa never appeared to better advantage hero than she did last night when sho gave an artistic impersonation of Lord Clanside. Her make-up wan realistic, and she was capital in tho duot 44 Dear Papa,” with Mr Vernon. Perhaps the most successful character in the cast was that of Miss Marietta Mash as Shrimp, the rosy-faced, cheeky call-boy, who was unaffectedly droll without descending to exaggeration. Ho dancing was very artistic. Mrs Henry Bracy was a. dignified Duchess of Muffshiro and Misa May Pollard was very good as Lady : Gwendoline. The duet, “ Tho Golden Moan,” by those ladies was splendidly rendered. Mr George Lauri was tho life and soul of the piece as Captain Coddington, an impecunious man about town, and nothing could be funnier than his pantomime in the serenade. Mr Vernon capably filled the part of tbo Duke of Muffshire, and tbo Rev Samuel Hopkins, Hoffman (tbo hall porter), Benoli (hotel manager), were effectively represented by Messrs Leumane, Bathurst and Llssant respectively. Miss Lncy Cobb was encored for an exposition of the poetry of motion. The minor parts were also well filled. The piece was well staged and dressed, and tho orchestra, as usual played excellently. Among tho audience were Lady Glasgow and a party from Government House. 44 In Town ” will be repeated to-night, when there should be another crowded bouse.