POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3328, 10 January 1898, Page 2

POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY.

“IN TOWN.” That rollicking musical Comedy “In Town” was repeated by the Pollard Company at the Opera Hotlse on Saturday night, the performance being a spirited and inspiriting one throughout. Mr Percy Waa never seen to greater advantage than as Captain Coddingtofi, a part which he has made his own with a thoroughness which characterises all his work, and gives promise of making him eminently successful in the profession, To his original presentment of this exacting character a great deal of the success which is attending the production of “In Town” by Mr Pollard’s combination is undoubtedly due. A very capable exposition of the part of Shrimp, the call boy* was given by Master C. Albert, whose singing, dancing and love-making appealed to the risibilities of the house, and earned him more than one encore. As Parson HopkinSjMr Queaiy, too, was very effective,and hia song 44 The Little Tin Gee-gee” Was emphatically encored. Mr Albert Stevens was happily placed as the Duke of Muffuhire. Miss Maud Beatty was sufficiently rollicking as the dashing-young swell, Lord Clanside ; and Miss Marion Mitchell, as Kitty Heatherton {’prima-donna at the Ambiguity Theatre), acted spiritedly and sang sweetly. Miss May Beattie makes a petite Marie Belleville, and hef Frenoby twang and mannerisms seemed to tickle the audience immensely. Taken as a whole, the performance Was a finished and creditable one. Mr Brneat Fitts’ introduced song was rapturously encored. “ In Town” will be repeated to-night for positively the list time, and as it is one of the best things ibis company has yet given ua, ibis certain to draw a crowded house. Tomorrow night Mr Pollard will introduce another old favourite, in Von duppe’s melodious work 4 ‘ Boccaccio.” it is just twelve months since this company Arab produced this opera here, and play-goers will remember the sensation it caused with its gorgeous dressing, intricate marches and charming effects*.. “Boccaccio” will be staged for three nights, and will be replaced by Leoocq’a celebrated comic opera, “La Fille de Madame Angot.” A great deal of interest is attached to this peiformance, as Miss Maud Beatty will be seen as Mdlle. Lange, this being her first appearance in a female character. On Wednesday afternoon there will be a special matins a performance of the gorgeous extravaganza “Djiu-Djin,” when everything will be presented exactly the same as at a night performance. The box plan for the matinee will be opened this morning, and as children will be admitted to all parts of the theatre at half-price, there should be a record attendance;