THE LORGNETTE.

Observer, Volume XV, Issue 861, 29 June 1895, Page 9

THE LORGNETTE.

By Prompter.

The Pollard Juveniles concluded a most successful season of comic opera, judged from an artistic point of view, on Tuesday jaight. It is very likely that the financial results were not so good as they should have been, but if this was so, the cause is not due to any lack of appreciation on the part of the public so much as to the persistently wretched weather which the company has been persecuted with in Auckland. Such a bad spell of weather we have not had for years, and yet the business at the Opera House has kept up to a fair average. Saturday night was fine just by way of a change, and the result was a crowded house, showing what splendid business would have been done only for the long series of wet, cold, and boisterous nights.

The juveniles deserve every good thing that can be said of them. They presented an extended repertoire of comic operas — a repertoire that would have tested the capabilities and resources of the best adult companies we have seen in Auckland, and the artistic results were irreproachable. Take the ' Olivette ' and • Gondoliers ' productions by way of example. They were performances equal to the beat we have seen in Auckland. The one weakness was in the rendition of the concerted music by the youthful performers, but the solo singing was delightful, and the acting, staging, and dressing left nothing to be desired. So far as Miss Mitchefl is concerned, her vocalization was superior to adult jinma donna average, and we have heard many a prima donna who could not hold a candle to her in the matter of singing. Of Miss Sissy Sandford, the same is true in a lesser degree. Then, again, Misses Maud Beattie, Nellie Wilson, Stephens, Metcalfe and Masters Quealey, Stephens, Percy, and others are really splendid. We wish the youthful but very clever company success.

The Rev. Haweis had rather a freezing time of it in Auckland. What with bad weather, a remote hall and ' poor working ' his experiences in Auckland were not encouraging. But his lectures were very good.

The preparations for the production of ' Maritana ' by Auckland amateurs (first time in Auckland), under the direction of Mr Albert Richardson on Monday next, and following nights at the Opera House, are now complete, and judging by the success of the late stage rehearsals, a most meritorious performance of this popular and melodious opera is assured. As this is the first representation of grand opera in Auckland by amateurs, great interest will doubtless be manifested in their efforts. The combination is a powerful one, 90 performers taking part, including a double cast of principals and a large chorus of 60 voices. The orchestra, which includes our best instrumentalists, will be led by Herr Zimmermann. As a large number of tickets for the season have been sold holders are requested to reserve their seats at Wildman and Lyell's.

The production of 'Cyril's Success,' by the University College Dramatic Club, will be on the evenings of Thursday and Friday of this week. The last rehearsal on Wednesday night went swimmingly, and it is anticipated that the Club will make a big hit with the first production in this colony of one of the best comedies which H. J. Byron ever wrote. The box plan, which is at Messrs Wildman and Lyell's, is rapidly filling up, and if there is any likelihood of the Club having packed houses like they had at 'The Rivals,' anybody wanting good seats had better attend to getting the same at once.

Though Gee is a consummate boor in his manners, he is nevertheless a fine baritone singer, and for this reason I was glad to see that his farewell concert was a success. There was a crowded attendance, and the concert itself was a most excellent and enjoyable one. Much good feeling was shown by the artistes who assisted, and Mr Gee had every reason to be gratified a( his flattering send-off. But let us hope that Mr Gee will be satisfied. I hear that he is so pleased with the success of his 'first

farewell ' that he talks of indicting upon us a series of farewell concerts. Surely" not., It .would be a thousand pities if Mr Gee were, to misinterpret the charitable im pulses of /the community in his favour as a tardy appreciation of his vocal gift, andlbttempt to send round the hat for his own benefit a second time. .Why not start a subscription list at once ? The public of Auckland have given Mr Gee a handsome * send-off.' Let him be satisfied and ' go.' « * ' # •■ Misses Rose Blaney and Laura Fisher are amongst those who have reason to complain of the Auckland weather. Their concert on Friday night was a splendid one, but the attendance was spoiled by the dreadful, weather. Miss Bianey possesses a splendid soprano voice, of full compass and great range, and she uses it with admirable effect. She has unquestionably a brilliant future before her as a vocalist. Miss Laura Fisher's voice is a rich contralto, of charming quality, which is especially good in the lower notes. Both ladies were enthusiastically received, and they deserved well the applause accorded to them. They purpose studying in Melbourne.