THE LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 187, 25 November 1876, Page 2

THE LYDIA HOWARDE TROUPE.

As -we foretold, last night was by far the most successful one of the season, for before the doors were opened, there were crowds -waiting for admission, and long before the curtain rose, every available seat had been secured; -while the upper portion of the hall was literally packed. The entertainment opened with Henry J. Byron's burlesque extravaganza of " Lucia di Lammermoor ; or the Laird, the Lady, and the Lover," and perhaps the best mode of explaining its character is to burlesque the usual course, by stating that, to those acquainted with the opera of which it is a parody, it will be quite easy to form no conception of the plot. In his preface or introductory remarks, the author, if we recollect aright, intimates that it is founded upon Donizetti's popular opera, and consequently very unlike the original; so it will be seen that our explanation and that of the author tallies exactly. The principal characters are—Henry Ashton (Miss Jennie Nye), an J.s7ifon-ishingly revengeful party; Dr. Raymond (Mr. Stoneham), his tutor, accustomed to dog Henry and dog-Latin ; Edgar Eavenswood (Miss Howarde), of whom Edward tries to make a butt, but only succeeds in making a little pale; Arthur Bueklaw (Miss Navaro), a great swell in his own way, and also in that of Edgar ; Lucy of Lammermoor (Mr. Power), a dove-like creature, given by herself to melancholy, and by her brother to Arthur ; Alice (Miss Ashton), a waiting-maid ; and Norman (Mr. Carey), lover of Alice. Now, as Byron had taken a liberty with Donizetti, it was but fair that the Troupe should follow suit, and the representation given last evening differed most materially from the original, for while a considerable portion of the libretto was excised, most of the principal operas were laid under contribution to supply the deficiency. Balfe contributed the music of the "Fair Land of Poland;" Flotow, "May Heaven Grant," from "Martha;" Offenbach, "the Drinking Song," from the " Grand Duchess ;" and last, though not least, " Tommy, Make Room for Your Uncle"—opera unknown. It is but justice, however, to say that in the matter of excision versus innovation the audience was a most material gainer, for as we have stated not only had every operatic composer's parterre been rifled to cull flowers for the musical bouquet, but all the newest and most popular songwriters were made to pay tribute likewise. Of course it were a matter of utter impossibility to present the burlesque as it should be in the Masonic Hall, but so far as lay in the power of the Tronpe nothing was lost sight of that would add to its effectiveness, each character being dressed to perfection, from the costume of Edgar —the height of fashion—to that of Dr. Raymond—the height of absurdity. As the bride. Mr. Power's make-up was immense, not a single article of bridal array being missing, and we have little doubt many expectant brides would be wel satisfied to be equal]y provided in the matter of trousseau. The burlesque abounds in magnificent concerted pieces and grand choruses, and although every individual member of the company is fully equal to his or her solo part, it is in the last that the great strength and effectiveness of the troupe is seen. The trio and chorus at the conclusion of the first act were both grandly given, and the same must be said of Offenbach's Drinking Song. In fact to particularise the different items which reallymerited mention, would occupy more space than we have at our command ; but we cannot conclude without specially noticing the parts of Dr. Raymond and Norman, which in the hands of Messrs. Stoneham and Carey, contributed in no small degree to the sue. cess of the piece—the excellent comic acting of the one, and the grand vocal aid of the other, standing out in bold relief. We did not mean to particularise, and indeed it were almost an injustice to do so, for no sooner have we mentioned one than the merits of another rises up before us in judgment for the partiality ; and from the prima donna down to the veritable inform, ant of the delay of " My Lord's carriage," one and all were equally entitled to praise.

The entertainment concluded with the witches' scene in " Macbeth," given for the purpose of introducing Locke's magnificent music. This portion of the programme was a treat in itaelf, well worth

- -V----mi ', '" ' ' "' ~ m **' n -"- the money, and deserves to take precedence in the matter of choruses given by the Troupe. This evening a monster bill has been prepared —that of " H Trovatore," a racy burlesque by Byron also, and Offenbach's comic opera of "The Rose of Auvergne; or, Spoiling the Broth." As million prices are again to be charged, and this is positively the last opportunity available of seeing the Troupe, we expect a crowded house, and would advise those who prefer sitting to standing during the performance to take time by the forelock, and secure, their seats during the earlier portion of the evening.