Opera House.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11744, 22 September 1902, Page 5

Opera House.

"THE MESSENGER BOY."

There'I '-.was a large audience, composed mostly oi young people, at the Opera House oil Saturday afternoon, when "The Messenger- Boy" was again staged by the Pollard Opera Company. Though the Messenger Boy took some, "short' cuts," his trip was sufficiently lengthy to afford, considerable amusement, and the* audience appeared thoroughly satisfied with the performance.

'THE GONDOLIERS."

In the evening "The Gondoliers" was produced, As was anticipated, this celebrated comic opera proved sufficient to attract a large house, and this in spite of the recognised bad show night and the fact that the weather was the worst experienced here for a .considerable period. Some time had elapsed since "The Gondoliers" was presented to a Wanganui audience, and it was quite refreshing to once again hear the pretty* tuneful music, watch the clever dancing, and witness the embarrassment and eventual joyfulness of the love-sick gondoliers. The cast was almost entirely different from that on the occasion of the previous production of the opera, but though some of the old favourites were missed, the characters were in capauie hands, and were sustained very eredita^y. "Marco" and "Guisepne" were respectively ppurtrayed by Messrs C. Carter and "D. O'Connor." They acted capitally, and their singing was of a high standard. . Mr W. S. Percy a'ipeared as "the Duke," and filled the role v creditably, although he was rather inclined to burlesque the part. Mr All. Stephens, who hitherto had always enacted the role of "the Duke," on this occasion took the part of "Antonio." Mr H. Quealy made a first-class "Grand Inquisitor," while Mr J. Ralston, as "Luiz," was1 very good. Miss Marie Metcalfe was very successful as "the Duchess." and Miss Connie Buttel, as "Casilda," earned the applause of the audience for her fine singing and acting. Miss Gertie Campion and Miss Nina Osborne were quite at-home as "Gionetta" and "Lessa." The chorus singing was very good, and the different dances were nicely performed. The opera was well mounted, and the dresses worn were very pretty. There is "no possible, probable shadow of doubt, no possible doubt whatever" that "The"Gondoliers" was enjoyed by the audience.

This evening will h& produced the cele hrated

"FLORODORA," which on its last production here, was received with such favour.