POLLARD'S JUVENILE OPERA COMPANY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LX, Issue 9296, 16 February 1909, Page 4

POLLARD'S JUVENILE OPERA COMPANY.

"THE GAY HUSSAR."

A BRIGHT PRODUCTION

Pollard's Juvenile Opera Company commenced a short season last evening at the Town Hall, when the musical comedy, "The Gay Hussar," was produced for the first time here, before a large and enthusiastic audience. "The Gay Hussar" is a two-act musical comedy, libretto and lyrics by T. W. Graliame, and the music by Thomas Humphreys. Like the majority of musical comedies, the plot is not strong, but it is sufficiently defined to allow the audience to follow the performance with intelligent interest. The first part of the story is centred in Earl's Court Tea Rooms, London, and the concluding part breathes the atmosphere of the military hill station, Japan. Briefly told, Lord Cailfail, an impecunious lord, in order to build up his wastatai. estates, endeavours to wed his ou>JH sou, the Hon. Rev. Algy, a clergyman of the "nin-uau" type, to Enid Marmont, a ward in Chancery. He is supported iv his aims by Lady Brookfield, his sister, and Colonel McAlister, who iias designs on Lady Brookfield. Enid's heart, however, lias been captured by Captain Clyde Bnrk, an officer in McAlister's regiment. In order to be near their lovers, Euid and a bevy of girls from the tea-rooms in Earl's Court enlist as red-cross nurses, and are sent out to Japan. Cuilfail, hearing of their plan, follows in hot haste, accompanied by Lady Brookfield ami the Rev. Algy. However, he arrives too late to prevent the marriage of Enid with Burk. The shock fairly upsets him, and it is intensified when lie learns that Algy lias become united to O Numi Mumi San, a Japanese girl. Fearing that all hopes of having the family fortunes are lost, lie collapses, to at ouce spring to life when the glad news pours iv ou his ears tiiat O Nuini Mumi San is the daughter of a very wealthy Japanese, and will inherit his fortune. All ends in perfect happiness, Enid has her captain, the Colonel secures Lady Brookfield, the tea-girls have their officers, "Bobs,''a the captain's servant, has his cosfrfJME girl, Mary Louisey, and Cuilfail confident that the family fortunes are ouce more restored.

The comedy was excellently produced in every way. The music was bright and catchy, ami the soli were particularly well given. The scenery was in keeping with tiie atmosphere of the piece, whilst the costumes were uatty and refined. It was interpreted by a splendid cast of characters, and throughout the evening the building rang with the applause of a delighted audience. The principal characters had splendid opportunities for displaying their talent, and they acquitted themselves remarkably well. "The Gay Hussar" abounds in bright comedy, which has an exhilarating influence on the audience. Perhaps Mr Olias. Albert, as the "Hon. Rev. Algy," is the most successful artist in the cast. He has a splendid part, and does it every justice. Whilst he occupied the stage last night, the audience was in one continual ripple of merriment. He is ably supported by the popular young comedian, Master Bert Nicholson as "Bobs," and Miss Ivy Aldous as the "coster gal, Mary-Louisey. " Miss Cissy made an excellent "Captain ClydSHr Burk. " Tin's artiste possesses a fine contralto voice, her soli calling forth hearty recalls ou every occasion. Miss Minnie Topping was a dainty "Enid Marinout," aud her songs also gave delight to the audience. Her sister, Miss May Topping, was a very 'kissabie" "Numi Mumi San," which the Hon. Algy was not backward in demonstrating when the opportunity afforded. Miss Hems Had a light part to fulfil as "Anibodi," but her work was distinctly good. Her soli, "The Mighty Shinto Priest,'' was a splendid effort, aud won fitting recognition. All the other parts were well pourtrayed by a lengthy cast, and the production was such that won general admiration from the audience. The management are to be congratulated on the general all-round excellence of the performance.

To-night "His Highness the Bey" will be staged, when doubtless there will be another overflowing audience.