COMIC OPERA SEASON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17658, 23 June 1919, Page 7

COMIC OPERA SEASON

"MAYTiaiE." His Majesty's Theatre was packed to tho doora on .Saturday when the Royal Comio Opera Company again produced "JVLaytime," whjph. created suoli a favourable impression on its initial presentation. ''Maytime" is not, strictly speaking, a comio opera—it may moro correctly be described as an extravaganza drama of a high order. It w distinctly superior to tho ordinary run of musical plays, and tho plot, as in a dratim, is deafly sustained, which givesj to "Maytimo" an interest which musical plays so seldom possess. It is a delightful conception and contains many original ideas, which cannot l>ut appeal to'playgoers. Tho hearty applause whioh greeted tho conclusion of tho various acts showed tliat it had lufc tho popular taste, and the .recollection of tho production of "Maytimo" by Messrs Williamson's takmtcd company v/iil bo a pleasant memory. Tho scenery and costuming aro delightful and aro quite »is bright as tho play. Tho music is of a charming nature, although not particularly striking. The vocal interpretations were exceptionally good, and tho dancing, particularly tho gipsy ballet and tho ballet of youth, was cleverly performed all through. There- is a particularly strong cast headed by Miss Monorioff, wlio exhibited a versatility not frequently seen in musical plays. She was entrusted with a part, first as a 16-year-old girl, as a young married woman, as an old lady, and finally again as a young woman, — a daughter of tho origin-al character. It was a.n exceedingly cleve.r performance. An efficient orchestra, greatly enhanced tho pleasure of an excellent production of a bright and pleasing play. " Maytimo " will be again presented this evening.