The Lorgnette

Observer, Volume XV, Issue 860, 22 June 1895, Page 9

The Lorgnette

By Promptee.

Comic Opera haa been the attraction at the Opera House during the week, and it goes without saying that the change from the semi-burlesque of an emotional play like ' Uncle Tom's Cabin ' is a welcome oneBesides, comic opera suits the Juveniles better than drama. They have more freedom — more scope — and they are much more natural in the one than in the other. ' Olivette ' and ' Tambour Major ' have been staged during the week, and it can fairly be said of both productions that they were equal in many respects to the best performances of the same operas we have seen here by adult artistes. Indeed, the results achieved by Pollard's Juveniles suffer little in comparison with the efforts of some of Williamson and Musgrove's comic opera companies.

' Olivette ' was a- splendid performance, this sparkling and tuneful little opera being presented in a style that fairly delighted the audience. Of course, Marion Mitchell was the centre of attraction. How she has improved since she was last in Auckland. She sang charmingly, she danced gracefully, and her acting was admirable. Two years hence .will see Marion Mitchell in the front rank of comic opera artistes, and don't you forget it. ' Think Not ' and • The Torpedo and the Whale ' were two vocal gems, and for both efforts she was rewarded with an encore.

Again, on Tuesday night, 'La Fille de Tambour Major' was presented with a success quite equal to that achieved with 'Olivette.' Again, Miss Marion Mitchell scored heavily, her singing and dancing being repeatedly encored. On this latter occasion, Miss Sissy Sanford, as the drummer boy. shared the honors, her role being played with much vivacity and skill, and the part suiting her to perfection. Her singing was also good. Master W. Percy as the Tambour Major was excellent. Miss Nellie Wilson as the Vivandiere and Miss Emily Metcalf c (the Duchess) both sang and acted well. The choruses were really excellent, and the staging and dressing splendid. In the final scene, where the French Army enter Milan, a full brass band preceded the troops on to the stage. The final chorus, accompanied by band and orchestra, was simply splendid. * * *

The bill for the coming week is a splendid one. We are to have 'The Merry War,' • The Gondoliers,' ' Les Cloches,' ' Mascotte and ' Madame Fayart ' in quick succession, and on Saturday afternoon there will be a benefit performance of • Uncle Tom' for the convenience of children and parents. So far as the ccmic opera performances are concerned, let me say that those who are neglecting them because they are given by children are making a sad mistake. More delightful singing than some of that by the principals in ' Olivette ' and ' Tambour Major ' has not been heard in Auckland for a long time, while the staging of the operas is good, and the dressing exquisite.

The preparations for the production of ' Maritana, 1 by Auckland amateurs, at the Opera House, on Monday, July Ist, and following nights, are now approaching completion. Another most successful stage rehearsel for principals, band and chor os,was held on Saturday afternoon under the direction of Mr Albert Bichardson. As the tickets for the season are going off rapidly, crowded houses are confidently anticipated. Mr J. Blenkinsopp, the popular Dunedin tenor robusto, is expected to arrive by the Mararoa- at the end of the week, aid should prove a strong additional attraction. Miss Beatrice Richardson, who earned f olden opinions by her impersonation of laritana in Dunedin and on the concert platform in Melbourne, will also make her debut in grand opera in Auckland. Herr Zimmerman has been specially engaged as leader of the orchestra. The box plan is nowopen at Wildman and JJyeU's, where holders of dress circle and orchestral stall tickets may secure their seats.

The performance given by Mr F. M. Alexander on Thursday last was an excellent and novel one. . . He gave three recitals, and appeared- in three dramatic scenes, assisted by Madame Goldenstedt and Mr

J. F. Montague. A double recall followed each recital, and short encore pieces were given, and he also was recalled to bow his acknowledgments after, the Bcenes. Mr Alexander possesses a splendid voice, remarkable for its resonance, power and sympathy, which he nses with great taste. His scholarly style is at once apparent, and the manner in which he sinks his individuality is clever- This was particularly demonstrated in the dramatic scenes, when he appeared as Sir Peter Teazle, The Duke of Araza and Sir Anthony Absolute. Theße characters were splendidly interpreted, not a single point being missed. His Sir Peter was a particularly fine piece of acting, the merit of which is increased by the fact that he played the old man in evening dress and without 'make up.' Madam Goldenstedt and Mr Montague gave valnable assistance, and the musical portion of the" programme was well carried out by Miss Amy Bates, Miss Katie Fitzpatrick, Mr Leslie Dix and Mr A. L. Edwards. •. » • John Fuller had a very successful concert again last Wednesday night. The programme was a first-class one, and it goes without saying the audience were delighted. To-morrow (Friday) evening .Mr Fuller will be at the Thames with a strong company, and there is little doubt that he will have a crowded house. He goes down Taranaki way with his company next week. Clifton Alderson is resting in Melbourne. Ralph Roberts has joined the Gaiety Coy. Maggie Moore has staged « Sweet Innisfail ' in Sydney. The second Theatrical Carnival in Melbourne netted £1000. Edith Housley will be seen through New Zealand with Bland Holt. The Dacres play their Sydney season at Her Majesty's, not at the Criterion. 'Arry Richards took a send off at Sydney Trivoli on May 31st prior to leaving for London. The Gaiety Company are now playing a fortnight's season in Adelaide, with Sydney to follow. Messrs Cosham, Bernage and Mayen of the 'New Boy Coy.' have returned to England. Cbas. E. Verner, Rignold's latest star is scoring in Sydney in ' County "Wicklow ' a new 4 act drama. The Sydney Opera House has been re- christened * The Empire ' by the present lessees, Messrs York and Jones. A daughter of George Titheradge, is to make her debut shortly with the Brough and Boucicault Company. The Esty-March Concert Company did ' perish ' in Melbourne, and will not come on to New Zealand as at first intended. Miss Bomex (Mrs Gibson) has sailed from Sydney for England, where she joins Fanny Brough and Brenda Gibson, her two daughters. George Kignold does not intend to renew his lease of Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, when bis present lease expires. He talks New Zealand. Madame Emily Soldene was to take a monster benefit at the Sydney Lyceum last week when all the talent in Sydney were to be represented. Bland Holt has (it is reported) netted £5000 with 'The Span of Life.' Congratulations. He deserves it all; Bland Holt is worth ten thousand Musgroves. During a recent ..performance of ' Hamlet ' down South. Hamlet : ' Thus bad begins, but worse remains behind.' Unfeeling person in the stalls: 'Oh, does it ! Then here goes." And he left. Harry Wirth has opened with the Great Pacific Circus in Sydney. It is now some years since he withdrew- from the 'family show,' and during that time he has been running an hotel, or something of that kind. Probably, he will join the brothers George and Philip, and take the late J.J.s place in the firm. - Mr J. W. Wheeler, recently advance "representative of the Monstyn Dalzeil company, was here on Monday, on^ his way from the South to Sydney. According to his account, things have not turned out very well- financially with:- the company. Mr Wheeler expects to bring over something fresh from the other side.

The Town Clerk notifies v that wholesale and packet licenses for the sale of alcoholic liquors require renewal, and that water consumers' rates require to be attended to;