BRIGHT COMIC OPERA

Taranaki Daily News, 25 January 1930, Page 9

BRIGHT COMIC OPERA

MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS. The J.' C. Williamson Company brought its all too short New Plymouth season to a close last night' when it presented that gay and colourful comic opera, “The Maid of the Mountains,” to a crowded audience. Many were present to- whom “The Maid of the Mountains” was an old favourite, but it is certain that they, as well as those to whom it had previously been but a name, found the three hours pass all too quickly. It is a comic opera that possesses a strong appeal in various directions. It is full of charm. First there is a story that the audience can follow to the end and that gives plenty of scope for beautiful costuming and brilliant stage effects, for haunting melodies, for powerful choruses and for intensely dramatic situations, whilst anon there are humorous phases with dialogue that is full of whimsical witticisms. As Teresa, “The Maid of the Mountains,” Miss. Lilian Crisp scored tn outstanding success. Her rich, full and clear voice was delightful in the beautiful musical numbers “My Life is Love,” “Love Will Find a Way,” "A Paradise For Two,” as a duet with Tonio, and “When You’re in Love,” a duet with General Malona. She acted with dramatic fervour, giving a realistic characterisation of passionate and loyal love and of remorse when in a moment of jealousy she had betrayed the. robber chief Baldasare. John Ralston made the typical brigand commander with his dominating personality and commanding voice. He was equally at home in the role of Gov-i ernor,.and showed yet another side when he braved the danger to show hi.s love for the general’s daughter. Don Nicol, as Tonio, was given plenty of scope to indulge in his inimitable witticisms and absurd mannerisms. His actions were so natural as to be irresistible. Edna Ralston, as Vittoria, his widow, plays up to him most convincingly, and together they provided plenty of fun, particularly in the scenes where she suddenly came .upon her lost lover whom five years previously she had been led to believe was drowned. The opera possesses plenty of light, colour and movement, perhaps the most intricate of the latter being the bewildering exhibition of Spanish dancing by Pat°and Terry Kendall. The setting and the orchestral music were in keeping with the high standard of the performance. Prior to the final curtain Mr. Don Nicol expressed the thanks of the management for the appreciation shown by the audiences throughout the season and intimated that at the conclusion of the Wellington season the company would return to New Plymouth to play “The Student Prince,” an announcement that was greeted with applause. The company proceeds to Stratford today, where it will produce "The Desert Song.” This will be repeated at Eltham on Monday. The Hawera season commences on Tuesday with “Whoopee” and concludes on Wednesday with “Lilac Time.”