ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4434, 14 August 1901, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. “CARMEN.” Staged with unprecedented magnificence. and with a vivid regard for the veriest detail. “Carmen” at the Opera House last night was a feast of colour and a carnival of music. The four acts went past in' a realistic pageantry of colour and sweat sounds. Wellington playgoers have never previously seen “Carmen” so staged and so presented. No stretch of imagination was required. There was a realism about the presentment which chained the attention of the audience so that in the strain for what was to follow it sometimes seemed that there was a lack of appreciation of what had gone before, judging by the orthodox criterion of applause. But it wa-s not so. Last night’s audience was vastly moved and vastly pleased from the striking of the first note by the very excellent orchestra until the fall of the curtain. A great deal of the charm of ne performance was due to the spirited interpretation of the name paxt given bv Miss Agnes Janson. The actress called to the fullest upon her enormous physical reserve force, and thrilled the judience again and again with tho dramatic quaity of her singing, the extreme volatility of her facial changes, and the daring abandon with which she played the part incidental to the character of the heartless coquette. The scene btween Miss Janson and Umberto Salvi (as Don Jose) in the last act was a masterpiece of passionate acting which, ending as it did with the tragic death of Carmen, held the audience spell-bound. Signor Salvi was in perfect voice, and his soli were magnificent. Herr Mas Eugene, as Escamillo, the Toreador, was successful iu more s ensos than ono. The fine, breezy, herculean style of this artist makes his exposition of the part of the bull-fighter singularly appropriate and powerful. Th e famous “Toreador Song.” for which the opera is famous—providing, as it does, an ear tickling orchestral lilt which pervades the piece—was sung so splendidly by Max Eugene that the audience cheered with delight, and gave the singer the recall of the evening. As Micaela (tho bethrothedi of Escamillo) Miss Lillian Coomber disclosed a voice of useful range and great purity, and won ranch enthusiastically expressed admiration from those in front. There were other principals who also performed their parts in a most creditable manner. The staging and setting of the opera wore, as above stated, remarkably fine. Goatcbsr’s scenery—- “ Courtyard of the Inn,” and “Tho Smuggler's Cave”—was especially fine; whilst the dressing—especially of the last act. in which some remarkably rich costumes were displayed—was singularly beautiful. To-night, Wagner’s grand music-drama, “Lohengrin,” will bo staged with a new cast, THEATRE ROYAL. The present Gaiety Company made an other Ruccessfn? appearance in the bill for the current week at the Theatre Roval last night, in the presence of a good house. The company was strengthened by the re appearance of that sterling descriptive vocalist and actor, Mr George Deane, who received material assistance from Miss Ethel Gwynne, a bright comedienne with a pleasant voice, in a sketch entitled, “Game of Life.” Professor Tom Aimund heightened the good impression made on the previous evening by a versatile performance in skate and pedestal dancing. The professor promises to become a favourite, bis dancing being the neatest and most finished in its ‘line ever seen at the Theatre Royal. The Haytors are billed for Friday.

Mr Henry Dunbar has received information through his agent that several new performers are on the way from Sydney to take part in the opening performance of the Empire Vaudeville Company on Saturday night at the Exchange Hall. Mr Fred Garnet, the stage manager, is satisfied that with _the material in hand a good performance will result. During tho week it is the intention of the management to introduce several competitions with a view of ascertaining what local talent is available. The annual Masonic ball will he hold at the Druids’ Hall, Taranaki street, this evening. Miss Holme will lecture at St. Andrew’s schoolroom to morrow evening on "The Life of John Ruskin.”

At the Wesleyan Literary and Debat_ ing Society to-morrow evening, Mr J. W. Joynt, M.A., will deliver a lecture on "Hie Middle Ages.”