DUNEDIN OF OPERATIC SOCIETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14357, 29 October 1908, Page 8

DUNEDIN OF OPERATIC SOCIETY

"THE MIKADO." His Majesty's Theatre hold a- very large audienca last evening 011 the occasion of the production of "Tho Mikado" by the Dunedin Operatic Society. Of tho halfdozen works which the society has staged during the course of its existence, the popular Gilbert and fiullivan opera perhaps makes the most consistently serious demands on unprofessional resources, but the reception which the efforts of the performers received in this case showed those present to he kindly in their appreciation anil ready in their recognition of merit. Considering tho somewhat ambitious nature of tho task ii essayed, the society acquittal itself indeed surprisingly well, and such being the judgment ot a first-night performance, it goes without saying that the succeeding productions will reach a still better standard. The intrinsic merits of ''The Mikado" arc far too well known to require recalling here, and charming music, quaint humour, and pungent wit combine in a setting of glowing colour to alford operatic entertainment of the most refreshing and unwearying description. The revival of "Tho Mikado'' is indeed tho more agreeable at the present; time, since it is over three years since the Williamson Repertoire Comiiany last produced it in this city. Collectivclv the members of the Operatic Society did better perhaps last, evening than individually, though this need not bo taken to suggest any. special weakness in the cast. This, as a matter of fact, was evenly presented, though naturally some individual limitations were more apparent than others. With the acquisition of a little more confidence the principals mav be quite cxpcctcd to eclipse their clforts on their first appearancc, and in so doing will do well to develop iu some cases ;t little more deliberation and robustness in speech, and, if possible, more animation in act-ion and song. However, tlio considerable demands of tlie parts were met with a good deal of ability. Among the most, successful ot the principals was Mr ,1.. E. Wa-lshe as Ko-Ko, t.he Lord High Executioner, who acted with freedom and

realised in no mean measure the humorous possibilities of the part. Mr Walshe also sang well, and made a hit with the popular "Tit Willow." The Katieha of tho production is Mrs Martinelli-Reggiwdo, whose impersonation stood out as consistently vigorous and effective. Besides being well acted, the. part was snng to considerable advantage, the popular duet between Katishu and Ko-Ko in the second act provin" the success of tilie evening, and earning a, double recall. Mr Noel Smith, as Nanki-Poo, sang agreeably. but requires to impart more life into hw acting, while Mr D. Corngan had -i sat isfaoioi'v conception oi the part of the delight-fill aristocrat Pooh-Bah, if not always coiieislently acting up to it. The Mikado was impersonated on the whole pft'wtivcly l>y Mr I'. Barling. who gratified the audience by a meritorious rendering of the dignitary's modest little ballad, "A more humane Mikado." The parts of the three little maids. Yum Yum, Pitti Ping, and Peek Po. wore taken by Misses Helen Gard'tier. Dorothy Gard'ner, and Gertrude Wilson respectively, all of whom were as graceful and animated in their impersonations as could ho desired, while acifiiittinjr ilii'inselvrs also vocally—Miss Helen Gard'ner especially—villi distinct credit. Mr D. M'Kenzie a* Pish Tush completed tin? east. In many respect* ilie mcst agreeable feature of the production consisted in the work of the chorus, which, .-Iron;; and well-drilled, sang its music spiritedly. The male chorus was somewhat uncertain ing the opening scenes of the liret acl, but the finale of the act was a capilal and entirely redeeming effort, in which tho singing of Kalisha deserved special recognition. The setond act. of ihe opera contrasted favourably with the first, going with greater zesi and animation. The opening uliortis of iho second acl, " Braid Ihe raven hair." was particularly effective, while an emplkilic recall was accorded the madrigal. " Bright iv dawn? ouv weikhng day." A vwv a 1 tractive Japanese MUct

(arranged by Mips May Black) is included in the second act, Miss Gray introducing an effective solo dance. The staging of the opera is on a very lavish and complete scale, and prettier stage pictures than those presented need not be desired. Tlie vivid colouring of the Land of the Kising Sun is over all, while the costumes furnish tho epitome of fresh and vivid harmony. Attention has not been spared to stage" detail, whilo a strong- orchestra, under Mr Sidney Wolf did excellent, work. The opportunity of witnessing "The Mikado," as staked by the Duncdin Opcra-tio Sooiety, should prove a very strong attraction to the public during the rest of the season. Tlie opera will he produced again this evening.