OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 August 1901, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

JOSEPHINE STANTON AMERICAN OPERA COMPANY.

The- advent) of this powerful combination is being looked forward to by the anusic-loving .people of Wanganui with considerable interest, as it is rarely that we have such a strong opera company with, us. The Stanton Company have now been in New Zealand for nearly three months, and papers from all parts of the colony speak of them in terms of highest praise. "Wang," a comic opera in two acts, is to hold the boards for the opening night (Tuesday).- This was originally put on n New York by the celebrated De VVolt Hopper and Miss Delia Fox, and scored a triumph, making the composers' names (Goodwin and Morse) famous. The action takes .place in Siam. "Wang" (the Reg«nt of Siam), who has bought a sacred elephant, for which he forge.I.* to pay, is constantly being "dunned," and the vagaries which arise from it are said to bring to the eyes tears—of laughter. Wang is personated by Mr. George Runkel (a comedian of the Lauri stamp and very clever); Mr. Van Dyne (the elephant keeper) makes ono smile ; Miss Stanton, as Mataya- (the Crown Prince) and nephew of Wang, sings some splendid it«ns, which are very catchy and tuneful; Mr. Hallam as Jean Boucher (a French lieutenant) is heard to advantage. The leads are supported by Miss Clara Wisdom, Bertha Nilsson, Gertie Norenby, Katherine Goodrich, Mamie Selba,ck, Alice Ward, Blanche Gale, Messrs. Jean de Lacey, John Lawton, Frank Kenworthy, Sam Dia.rd, Harry Cameron, DeWolf Wilson, and the full strength of the company. The orchestra is under the directorship of Mr. Arthur C. Pell. "Mariilana" will ba the bill for Wednesday, the second night. ■.' >;.,