THEATRE ROYAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5716, 7 November 1896, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL.

There was another crowded audience at the Theatre Royal last evening, when Pollard's Opera Company gave tlie last performance of Rip Van Winkle. Throughout the performance applause was frequent, and many of the principal numbers were encored. This evening the Black Cloaks will be put on for the first time. This opera was first produced in London in 1882, and was a pronounced success, running to crowded houses for over eight hundred nights. It was then purchased for the colonies by the late A. T. Dunning, and was first seen in Christchurch in 1884. The music is by Bucalossi, and the libretto by Harry Paulton and W. Parke. Several of the numbers are recognised musical gems, while the dialogue is considered some of smartest ever-written for this class of opera. The plot is full of amusing situations. Miss Marion Mitchell will make her reappearance as the village belle, Girola. Miss Emily Metcalfe is cast for the part of Queen Isabel. The comedy element will be provided by Harry Quealy as Dromez, Alfred Stephens as Don Phillip, and W. Percy as Don Jose. Miss Maud Beatty will be seen as the dashing officer Don Luiz. The cast is a very strong one, and includes the full strength of the company. Tlw Black Cloaks will be repeated on Monday night, when an extra attraction will be the presentation of a gold-mounted whip to the jockey who rides the winner of tl ; New Zealand Cup.