The Pollard Opera Company

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8621, 27 March 1897, Page 3

The Pollard Opera Company

V.BOCCACCIO."

Last evening the company had the biggest audience of the season. The fame ofAhe production had even preceded tire arrival of the combination here, and it was no surprise to see the house in ever/ part well filled. To most people the opera was entirely new. We think only one company has produced it in the colony before

Mr Pollard's, although that is something to ' marvel at, as there is almost unanimity of opinion amongst musical'people that Yon Suppe has put some really pretty- music into the piece, and.the librettist ha 3 certainly well re-dressed the story of the| Italian poet's love for Fiametta. But he the reason what it may, the opera is delightful, and there is no question as to the enjoyment it gave the people who saw it last evening. The wa,nt of stage room was most acutely felt, and the scenery therefore was not dis-

played as it might have been, bat the dressing on the whole was good. Miss Maud Beatty as "Boccaccio" was in splendid form, giving as good a representation of the character as could be wished for, and Miss Marion Mitchell as " Fiainetta" also excelled herself. The duet," Alms of love," in which the

two clever actresses and vocalists took part was one of the successes of the evening, and the interpolated ballad " Only to say gpod-byo," taken by Miss Mitchell! was given in rare good style. Miss Nellie Wilson (" Leonetto ") was called upon to take a considerable part in the opera, and that she did it well is beyond doubt. A most pronounced success was Miss May Beatty ('' Peronella "); sha both sang and acted well, and Miss Agnes Smith as " Beatrice was enabled on one or two occasions to show off her nice contralto voice to advantage. Miss Et Metcalfe ("Jsabelle ") also was highly successful, and although' Miss Florence Maskell as " Fillipa " did not have very much to do what she bad was done well. Mr Alf. Stephens (" Pietro"), Mr Harry Quealy ('* Lotteringhi"), Vr W.Percy " Lambertuccio "), and Master Albert "Scalza" each earned applause throughout the evening, and to give credit where it is particularly due we may say Mr Percy's was a remarkably fine performance. Some of the most striking vocal numbers beside those mentioned were the trio ♦ Onery, twoery, three-cry," the cooper's chorus, and a buffo serenade quite brought down the house. The opening of the third act with a grand military march was'also an attractive feature and the spectacular efforts of the opera were excellent. To-night, the last night of the season, thin old time favorite " Pinafore" is to be produced. The Company will no doubt be given a good sendofE" '-:■'-/■..-o .-■/-. .-. . :...:..-—,.■'