THE OPERA OF ‘ROB ROY’ AT WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 26 September 1891, Page 415

THE OPERA OF ‘ROB ROY’ AT WELLINGTON.

OTHING probably surprises a retlecting English person more than the extraordinary number of local en (Cl! tertainments which from year’s end to year’s end are organized for the delectation of the public of the towns of New Zealand, and the liberality with which, even in hard times, these are patronised. One merit which a town of small or moderate size has over a large city, in democratic communities like these of Australasia, is that of enabling much local ability of a moderate nature which would otherwise be entirely overlooked in a great crowd, to become satisfactorily employed for conducing to the general amuse ment. It also has the effect of educing exceptional talent, which, alas ! so soon as it becomes conscious of its own value, mmigrates to other larger centres, from whence it only transiently re-visits its old home. Of late years the formation of amateur opera companies in our towns here has become a notable feature of the life of the inhabitants. There is not one of the larger sort which does not once, and often twice or more times every year, enjoy an exhibition of this diverting and recreating nature. Wellington is the last place which has been the scene of an operatic divertissement. There the musical drama ‘Rob Roy,’ from Sir Walter Scott’s novel of that name, was produced by a number of amateurs at the Opera House recently in aid of the funds of the Boy’s Institute anil St. Joseph’s Orphanage. The production was on the whole most creditable. Of Mr A. S. Paterson it may be said that he made in every re spect a typical Rob Roy M’Gregor. Possessing wondrous length and strength of limb, he looked the bold outlaw as if to the manner born, his make-up*and dressing in the part being per feet. Mr Paterson’s voice and figure are both eminently suited to the character he assumed and in Miss Letham who sustained the part of Helen M’Gregor, he had a fitting consort. Miss Letham quite astonished those who had only previously seen her in comedy. Francis and Rashleigh Osbaldistone were respectively played by Messrs E. J. Hill and H. E. Nicholls. The former gentleman was in good voice, and with Miss Samuel rendered the incidental singing which falls to the roles of Francis and Diana Vernou capitally. Mr Morris Fox, that sterling actor, doubled the parts of Owen and Major Galbraith, and in each character he was successful. To Messrs John and A. W. Newton were entrusted the responsible character parts of Bailie Nicol Jarvie and Dougal Cratur. The remainder of the cast was as follows : — Captain "Thornton, Mr W. Sim ; M’Stuart, Mr J. M. Nairn ; Saunders Wylie, Mr A. M’Bain; Sergeant, Mr F. Bacon; Robert and Hamish, Masters Lawson and Newton ;

Andrew Fairservice, Mr A. Ballingall ; Mattie, Miss New ton; Martha, Miss Greig; Jean Macalpine and Hostess, Miss Jessie Newton. The realistically beautiful scenery, including * Old Glasgow Bridge by Night,’ * Clachan of Aberfoil,’ * Pass of Loch Ard,’ and * Rob Roy’s Cave,’ with • Loch Lomond by Moonlight,’ did infinite credit to Mr J.

M* Nairn, the artist, while the choruses and the individual singing throughout, together with the orchestral music, reflected the highest amount of credit upon the conductor. Mr M’DufF Boyd. The sketches are from the pen of Mr J. S. Allen, our Wellington artist.

‘ Rob Roy,’ by

Wellington Amateurs.