The Mikado.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6312, 9 August 1888, Page 3

The Mikado.

As we forefold,_;*__f-*-pM*f^fc Eoyal were filled to ovei^owio'f l__iif J -i_-_g_it . on the second productibli of ""'The. Mikado/-* and ou lfoe*aising"o_rthe''rj'nn__i_ai standing room <only wasv-rdCOtdrecWlN^liaii/ the stalls and dress circle, ■_&•{__ large* audience came armed with___Mhei_*^*_d_c_-l. power, and by no means foresworn, to appreciate tbe second production of "-The , Mikado" unlosa prompted to do so by genuine admiration. Tho first two Or three numbers of tbe opera- were almost coldly received, but tbe entrance of N_u_Jri Poo (Mr Izard) and h_B excellent delivery, of " The Wandering Minstrel " Bong served to break the ice and place the performers on terms of friendship witb their audience. This effect Bpread, and as the principals appeared one by one, so the audience awoke into a lively appreciation of the excellence of the production of the piece. Ko-Ko'c* celebrated "Little List** was cordially received by the house, who passed it for a " second reading " with perfect unanimity. The trio by the Three Little Maids was again heartily encored, an honour deserved by the trio in surmounting the difficulties of the number in co highly creditable a manner. The quartet, " So Please You, Sir," as on the iii-Bfc production, was excellently sung by Yum-Ymn, Peep 80, Pifcti Sing, and Pooh Bah. Katisha (Misa Beeve) received a hearty recognition by the audience of the merit of her performance, and through the whole of the first act she cang and acted witb high artistio merit. In our first criticism of the opera we omitted to record the credit due to to Yum- Yum, Pitti Sing, Nanki Pooh and Pish Tush for the harmonious ! rendering of tho beautiful madrigal quar- ; tette, " Brightly Dairas om* Wedding Day," which calls for tbe warmest) praise. Tha Mikado (Mr Millar) haa overcome the nervousness that was an obstacle to bis success on the first night's performance, and his patter song, "A More Humane Mikado," was again encored. The glee in tho second act, "See how the Fates," by the Mikado, Katisha, E_o-__o, Pooh Bah and Pitti Sing is another bright e-ratuple of the successes which may be achieved by clever amateurs. Throughout the second act the audience were decidedly more justly appreciative of the merits of the performance, and this was shown without stint in applauding Ko-Ko's rendering of the "Tit WiUow" song, and of tbe duet by Ko-Ko and Katisha, " There is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast." At the finale — which, by the -way, was given last night in perfect tune — tbe audience were worked up to the highest pitch of appreciation, and while at the cod of the first act the raising ofthe curtain satisfied tliem, at the termination of the final scene all the principals were called for by name, and greeted with rounds of applause. Miss Amy Gourlay wag, by special request of the audience, summoned before the curtain, and enthusiastically informed of the public appreciation of ber eucceea in drilling tho chorus. MrTowsey likewise had to bow his thanks, and Mr Stage-manager Seager, apparently sorely against his will, also "made a similar public appearance. In commenting on the production of the "Mikado" yesterday, we omitted to etat* that to Mr Bauson^ is due the credit of designing all the principal dresses, the beauty and artistic taste of whicb add co much to the success of the opera, and that a similar compliment ia duo to Mr W. Brice, who made th*_.nec-^_^_c7^gs_andenp_3rintended the " make op " of tbe. prmcipal-i. Imat night the Jbtouse* -vnsa filled in every part to its utmost capacity*,, and -with an juid.h*.^A ; i.ti--f^t^^rtTiatjj IT *.4 emp___~-_h__> ally de*_i_!_e-&, .iWfa*^ __OBt_«._ice***a|' -the *»M_i_-_&!_." Khe, opera W3-1 **-*** 'j***-***'***'*^**''**"***fr*-^^