ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4883, 7 February 1903, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

POLLARD’S OPERA COMPAXY. “THE TOREADOR.” The Pollard Opera Cqmjiany opcueti a season in the Opera House last nigiw. with one of the greatest ot recent London successes, “The Toreador.” It is a musical play of a class which has acquired a considerable degree of popularity—music and dance hung on a slender scheme and offering abundant scope for burlesque. “The Toreador” shows more burlesque than usual; in fact, that particular toreador who happens to ee the hero is almost entirely a burlesque. The music—by the well-known collabroatours Ivan Caryil and Lionel Monekton —is harmonious throughout. There are some really good passages, reminiscent of former productions of the same men. From a musical point of view the song '“My Toreador,” with chorus, stands easily first as the characteristic of the piece. Sung by Hiss Connie Buttcl (Donna Teresa) it was twice encored. The other pretty pieces which caught well were the recurring choruses of the bridesmaids and of the toreador’s song. On the whole choruses are not a strong point of the music. Some good dancing is introduced, especially in the second act, arranged by Miss Milmot Ivarkeok. The play is presented in the best stylo of the Pollard Company. Miss Alice Pollard, whoso progress is watched with considerable interest, continues to show improvement. Her appearance last night in the character of Haney Staunton seemed to promise some success for her in taking boy parts if she should decide to follow that line. AVhde masquerading as Mr Robinson she was most satisfactory. Her voice is also increasing in the necessary direction of fullness, although it is not heard alw.ys to the best advantage. One of, the best characters is that of Donna Teresa, in which Miss Connie Butte! was seen to her best. Of acting and singing a good deal falls to her and she showed herself most artistic in her rendering of the song “My. Toreador.” Miss Edgar has a deserved reputation in a certain kind of character, and every playwright nowadays seems to affect that kind. Consequently she added to tno laurels gained as Mrs Bangs et hoc genus by appearing as Mrs Hoppings. She has a happy knack of drawing the lino at the right point of breezinoss. Her best song, for which she was twice encored, is “I’m Romantic.” Another song of the topical kind likely to catch on is “Keep Off the Grass,” sung by Miss Wilmot Karkcek. As usual, Miss Karkoek excels in dance, and that means that she is a prominent character in “The Toreador.” Miss Gerty Campion played a maid part with her usual abandon and success. Miss Jessie Ramsay is noticeable among the minor characters. Mr Percy is never so much at home as when ho gets into a grotesque costume and drops into the freedom of being someone else. Early in the piece ho is tlirown out of his natural sphere as a groom and into the fortunate shoes of the most famous toreador in Spain. Consequently ho plays a prominent part roost successfully, and the more so that tho real toreador comes on the scone early enough to spare him the- necessity of justifying in tho •bull-ring the blandishments of popularity. Except for Iho display of a fine costume the name nait is something of an empty honour, since Carajalo, the toreador, is somewhere out of sight while Sammy Gigg enjoys his honours. The Toreador’s song near tho opening is admirably suited to M* O’Connor’s voice, and it has a swinging chorus which recurs in a pleasing manner. Last night Mr P. Aylmer, who has succeeded Mr Charles Carter as tenor in the company, mado his first Wellington appearance. Ho made a distinct success of tho part of a silly young man. He was not given an opportunity of showing his ability as a singer, but tho impression ho created was decidedly a favourable one. Mr M. Quealy was suited, as of yore, as Petti for, an eccentric dealer in wild animals. Other parts were well taken i\v Mr J. Ralston (Augustus Trjdli, Mr George Young (Rinaldo), Mr Alf. Stephens (tho Governor of Villaya), and Mr Jack O’Sullivan (Moreno). “The Toreador” will bo repeat;! this evening.

THEATRE ROYAL. Tho attractiveness of tho present programme was testified to last night by a largo audience. Tho Schenk Bros.’ acrobatic display is beyond comparison with anything in its lino previously soon here, and fully deserves all the hearty applause it receives. The last nights of Mr Frank Yorke aro announced. Miss Emmio Smith had tho audienco until her last night while she occupied tho stage. A flattering reception was given that popular co-median, Mr Fred Rivenball, on' his reappearance. Miss Rosie Do Vella, Miss Ethel’ Clifford and Mr Charles Howard were completely successful in their contributions. To-night there will be a complete change of programme.

There was the customary largo attendance at the Choral Hall last night. Competitions were held which caused much amusement. There will be a complete change of programme this evening, and Mr George Raynor, the contortionist, who made his first appearance last evening, will appear again tonight. Tho Fraser Shaw Company gave another acceptable, entertainment last night. Mr Charles Brown-Parkcr, an. expert ball-puncher, and the Merlins, illusionists, are announced to contribute to to-night’s change of programme.

The conceit at tho Missions to Seamen last night was under tho direction of Miss W. Birch. Contributions were given by Messrs Bannister, J. Izett, Palmer and G. M. Moir. Tho annual picnic of the watchmakers and jewellers of Wellington is to take place at Day’s Bay next Wednesday, the boat leaving tho wharf at 9.30 a.m. Their business premises will he closed all day. Tho members of the WillonghbyGeach Company were passengers by tho Monowai for Sydney yesterday. Mr P. Hughes, manager of Mr J. C. Williamson’s Comic Opera Company, arrived in Wellington last night en route to Nelson. The company will return to Wellington on the 23rd March.