The Pollards

Southland Times, Issue 14713, 4 August 1900, Page 2

The Pollards

"OLIVETTE." The popularity of this troupe was again demonstrated yesterday evening when a large audience greeted Audran's melodious ooraic opera " Olivette," which gives ample scope for the various members of the com* pany to show their talent end versatility. That they acquitted themselves to the entire satisfaction of the audience was shown by the hearty applause that again and again greeted their efforts. The music was again a feature of tbe production, and tbe singing, combined with the delicate orchestral ucoompani ment, and the beautiful scenery and costumes produced a subtle effect that oharmed and oaptivated tho senses. The opera has been staged here before and the motif is well known. As Olivette, Mice Campion was a complete success, and infnsed into ber part chat vivacity and buoy. ancy that always characterises h<r noting, and never fails to win a place in the hearts of tbe audience. Her singing was sweet and tuneful, and her rendering of the sob song "0, my father,'' won well-deserved applause. Miss Campion's other solos were also well given, aud in " The torpido and tbe whale," with fall chorus, she v*t heard to advantage. Miss Jennie Opie had more soope as the Countess of Ronsillion than she had earlier in the season, and fully confirmed the high opinion that bas been formed of her aoting and Binging. With her fine v stage presence, she made an imperious beauty, and took full advantage of her part. AU her songs were given with rich expression, but hur best number was " Nearest and Dearest," which was m Bung with a fine pathos that olioited a double encore. Mr Alf. Stephens,, as Captain de Merrimac, "a sad old sea dog," made the utmost of his part and in places was extremely funny. As Valentine, Mr 0. Carter had an arduous part. His acting was all that oould be desired, but bis singing waa the feature of his representation. In the lovely serenade, " Darling, (good night," hia sweet tenor was most telling and won for him a vigorous encore. In " .Speak, Sir Captain," and the dues v*ith Merrimao, •' What, she your wife," he was also EOCOfgg* ful. Mr W. S. Percy, us Hue des Ifs, was as fresh as ever, though he had not the same scope aa ia "The Geisha." He nevertheless pleased the audienoe mightily iv his song " Bob up serenely;" and was accorded a triple encore. Mr Harry Queally, as Coquelioot, supplied the broad oomedy, and fairly convulsed the audienoe. In the scene aftar tho banquet, with de Merrimao, when both were "under the influence," they provoked shrieks of laughter. Mr E. Nable as the Seneschal, did all that was required of him in an able manner, and gave a good rendering of th<> air in " Goaaip ohorus and air." Miss Wilmot Karkeek made a charming Velautine, and was full of life throughout. Mr D. O'Connor, Mies Nellie Wilson, Miss Lily Mowbray and others aU filled their role* capably, and assisted in making the performanoo ao enjoyable as it manifestly waii. This afternoon a matinei* performance of " The Geiaha" will be givan, and ac it ia the most popular of the operas staged thia week there will no doubt bs a largo house. The Belle of New York will again appear this evening, and being the last performance of the aeaaon tbe theatre abould be paoked, ai a recognition of the enjoyment and amusement tb* Pollani oompany bert Afforded,