"THE THIRTY THEIVES.”

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 662, 16 October 1902, Page 11

"THE THIRTY THEIVES.”

“The Chinese Honeymoon” which had such an unusually successful run at the Opera House, was replaced on Friday evening by Messrs Edward Jones and W. H. Risque’s comic opera "The Thirty Thieves,” and was produced by Mr Geo. Musgrove’s . new Comic Opera Company, in his usual lavish and gorgeous style. The opera is infinitely better than its predessor, and drew large and enthusiastic audiences each evening. The plot or story shows that "The Thirty Thievesi” are a set of smart society young men who, having been robbed of their own money by gaming on the Stock Exchange And by company promoters, resolve to “get bach” by robbing others. A reward! of £10,000,, offered by the Lord Mayor, is already out for their apprehension, and they themselves and everyone else in the play, including the Lord Mayor himself, are after the reward. Under their captain who is known as the Baronet, they invade the palatial residence of the Lord Mayor, and fey the aid of that> gentleman’s secretary, whom they terrorise, they' obtain admission to his strong,room and help themselves to its contents. With the booty they also carry off the whole of the ladies of the establishment, and remove them to the Baronet’s house under pretence of having rescued them. The secret of! their store is, however, known to an old wood-cutter and his son —and to their servant Marianna, with whom the captain of the Thirty Thieves, and other people, are in love. The Lord Mayor’s daughter (Miss *seatty), and the secretary (Mr Lauri) are likewise in love with each other, and there are several other complications out of which fun is obtained, and through which the burles*que is brought to a satisfactory close. One of the features of the performance is the finale scene, which comprises a grand March called The Porcelain ballet and procession. Nothing more uncommon, more dazzling, more interesting, in spectacular effects can be imagined. As the Dresden, Copeland, Sevres, Crown Derby, Wedgwood, - and other famous chinas, march round the stage in dazzling procession, oiie cannot help wondering at the expense, the novelty and the daring design of the whole thing. It is really splendid. The principals of the cast are : The Baronet (secretly known as the Captain of the Thirty Thieves), Mr J. C. Piddock ; The Lord Mayor (an American

Millionaire), Mr Henry Hallam ; The Secretary (to the Lord Mayor), Mr Edward Lauri ; Appy (a poor Wood-cutter), Mr Foster Courtenay ; Sonny (Appy’s son); Mr W. R. Shirley ; Theodore (Servant to the Lord Mayor), Miss Pansy Montague; Rhoda (the Lord Mayor’s Daughter), Miss May Beatty ; Mariana (Appy’s servant),. Miss J osephine Stanton. Mr Lauri has most of the work to do as Secretary to the Lord Mayor and the band of Thieves, he is immensely funny, and makes the most of his part. His scenes with his betrothed Rhoda are very comic and laughable. Miss May Beatty makes a pleasing Rhoda, and is heard to advantage in two very good songs, "When a Gentleman is Paying his Addresses,” and “Just for Once.” Miss Stanton faithfully fulfills the part of Mariana, and her sweet voice is heard in one or two songs, which were always received with applause. Mr Piddock has much more to do than in the former production, and he ably aquits himself, his solos were immensely enjoyed, particularly his ballad "How can I make you Love Me.” Mr Hallam, Mr Foster Courtenay, and Mr W. R. Shirley were all happily cast and filled their roles with credit.