OPERA HOUSE.

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 August 1901, Page 2

OPERA HOUSE.

JOSEPHINE STANTON AMERICAN

OPERA COMPANY.

Miss Stanton and her American company . arrive to-day from the south, and commence a five nights' season at the Opera House, and judging from Press reports, should have a big season. "Wang," the opening production, the "New Zealand Times" speaks of in the following terms: —-"'Wang' is absolutely the funniest thing that has been staged in Wellington for years past. It- orings more tears to the eyes than 'East Lynne'—tears of laughter. It is a Mark Twain lecture, a Sullivan opera, and a Bland Holt scenic prodigy rolled into one. The Premier, and Sir Joseph Ward, and a lot of members of Parliament were at-the Opera House last ni'-ht, and were observed to be enthusiastically taking no notice of anything or anybody save 'Wang' and his disastrous'elephant, and his mercurial black boy, and La Vanne Frimmouse, and Mataya,, .Cjrown Prince of Siam (in the person of Miss Stanton. .'Wang' held the stage for the greater portion of the time.^in the nerson of Mr George Kunkel), and proved himself to baa comedian of the highest talent and versatility. His humour is of American growth and upbringing, as the authors fully intended, and the only fault about the performance is that so many good (things are rolled off in quick succession that the laughter becomes so torrential as almost to stifle the patient, and set his friends out looking for medical advice. The music is sparkling, and! the comic songs which pervade the performance are up to a high standard of excellence, without the least vulgarity. Miss Stanton, in her boyish role, was again a great success,' f(er singing especially captivating and 'ericore-raisihg. Mr. Jean de Lacey and Mr. Van Dyne shared in the credit due to' Mr.," Kunkel's performance as ;i .comedian,-and Miss Gertie Norenberg exhibiting a sprightly form and a pleasing singing voice. 'Busses will run special trips from Aramoho to the Opera House, and will there wait till after the performance. Last night's Palmerston papers speak in eulogistic terms of "Wang" and its performance by the company in that town. The "Standard" says that "the opera went with, a vim and vigour that won the undoubted approval of the audience, while their amusement was amply pourtxayed by the spontaneous laughter that characterised the progression of the play." The "Manawatu Times" states that "the opera abounds- in "the most amusing situations arid a. quaint humour of an essentially American character, and played by this talented company, was irresistably funny. The appointments were exceptionally good, and the excellent scenery certainly assisted the success of the production."