"H.M.S. PINAFORE."

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3149, 30 August 1892, Page 2

"H.M.S. PINAFORE."

At the Oddfellows' Hall, Hamilton, on Saturday night, Sir A. Sullivan's brilliant opera " H.M.S. Pinafore" was produced before a crowded and appreciative audience. This opera is always fresh from the fact that the quality of the music is so far above that of the mediocre, that like all good music, the more it is heard the better it is understood and appreciated. Althrugh a comic opera, the music abounds in compositions portraying all shados and classes from the popular concert hall type to that verging on the classical. In some parts of Sullivan s comic operas, one may fancy they are listening to a production of Verdi, another pai't the type is changed to that of Gounod, Weber, Mozart, Meyerbeer, Donizetti or Roesini, while here and there may be recognised the peculiar composition so typical of that by Sullivan himself. Sir Arthur Sullivan appears to delight in caricaturing the productions of the greatest composers living or dead. Sentimental musicians of the highly classical type condemn this peculiarity, but there is no doubt that the public taste has been largely "taught on " as evinced bv the complete success which these productions have met in their career. The libretto by Gilbert, with the witty sayings, palpable hits at ridiculous anomalies, goes far to increase the popularity of these productions; and although the music is sprightly and tuneful yet. without a libretto by Gilbert, a great part of the zest would be lost. The rendition of such a work as "H.M.S. Pinafore' by the amateurs at Hamilton was to say the least an ambitions undertaking, but the unqualified success with which its production has been attended, both musically and financially, reflects great credit upon the management, the principal of whom was Mr A. Swarbrick, who under: took and carried out, so energetically and perseveringly, the various- stage effect?, scenery, etc., while Mrs Swarbrick brought the musical part of the affair to a successful issue by the able manner in which she wielded the baton as conductress. Ihe success of the undertaking certainly warrants the repetition of similar work? annually, if for educational and social purposes alone, for every individual engaged in the production, however unimportant, has nndoubtedly received some addition to whatever musi(Hl or histrionin knowledge or afcrity they may have attained. The scone so well-known depicts part of the deck of the " H.M.S. Pinafore laying at anchor in the harbour of Portsmouth, and was skilfully represented with ropes, life-buoys, lifeboats, cannons, etc., faithfully portrayed in a, most artistic manner by Messrs bwarbrick and Ds. Brewis. All the characters were dressed in a most tasteful manner, and the tout ensemble, when the whole uf the company were on the stage together presented a most brilliant and enlivening scene. The limelight effects at the beginning of the second act were well executed, and gave an especially weird appearance to tho deck while the humourous but beautiful duet between Little Buttercup and Captain Corcoran was being rendered. lhe following were the dramatis person®:— The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Porter, Mr T. G. Sandes ; Capt. Corcoran, Mr A. Swarbrick ; Ralph Rackstraw, Dγ Kenny ; Dick Deadeye, Mr Dalston ; Boatswain, Mr R. P. Sandes; Josephine, Miss Sam ; Cousin Hebe, Miss McPherson; Little Buttercup, Miss Wilson. The uionibers of the orchestra consisted of:—Miss Newell, piano; Mr T. H. White, violin; Mr Palairet, violincello; Mr Drury. cornet; and Mr Mettain, drum. The rendering of the overture first gave the audience an inkling of what they were to expect. This was specially arranged as well as the whole of the opera, for this orchestra, by Mr J . C. Clough, of Auckland. Passing the opening chorus, "Wβ Sail the Oevan Blue, which wns rendered laulv well, we coine to the hornpipe danced by Messrs Mclntyre and Mayes, which thoroughly put the audience in a good humour. The choruses were uniformily eood unci the difficult part ef Ralph Rackstraw well rendered, bringing out Dr. Kenny's voice and acting to great advantage. The part of Josephine was ably filled by Miss Sage, the voice, although not strong, was very pleasing, and the intonation perfect, a little more ammation in the dramatic part of the performance would have perhaps improved the effect. Little Buttercup (Miss Wilson), we consider, was played in a manner which undoubtedly showed that this lady possessed melo-di-am.itic talent nnd ability i>f ft hiph order and the part of Cousin Heo« (Mis* McPherson), could not possibly be improved upon. Dick Deadeye, the triangular man (Mr Dalston), had an able exponent, and the part without being a plagiarism was undoubtedly a good representation. Captain Corcoran (Mr A. Swarbrick), so well known as an amateur dramatist, went through his part in fini able manner. We may say the same of the Chief Lord of the Admiralty (Mr T. G. Sandes) who both looked and acted the part uf " His Excellency " excellently. The beantiful trio " Ring the Merry Bells on Board Ship" was an excellent feature in the production, sung by Mr and Mrs Williams and Dr. Kerr in a most p easing manner. Tho whole of the work was rendered in such a manner as to clearly show that careful attention to every detail had been given, and no money spared in order to create as finished a production as the limited means of the district could afford. Everyone connected with the undertaking must have worked very hard, and where praise is due to oue and all, it is porhaps invidious to particularise. Tho performance will be repeated to-nignt (Tuesday) and to-morrow (Wednesday) night, aud we hope tu attend its production on each of the nights, such J3 our appreciation of what we consider is the beat "show " ever prodnoP'l in Wnikato.