HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 703, 27 August 1903, Page 16

HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE.

“ THE FORTUNE TELLER.”

When we go to see anything Mr Musgrove sends us we may be sure of several things. We are certain to witness! a magnificent display of scenic effects, gorgeous dresses, and all the other acoesr soriee of the play, whether it be comedy, grand opera, or that modem mixture of farce and music called comic opera. We may also take it for granted that we shall have the best of what is going in the way of productions, the latest London and Australian successes), and that it will be interpreted by the moat competent artists at the command of the moment. Anticipating all these, from long use, those who thronged His Majesty's Thea-

tie on Tuesday night were in no wise disappointed. “ The Fortune Teller,” indeed, exceeds anticipations. It certainly rises above the level of “ The Chinese Honeymoon ” and “ The Thirty Thieves,’’ and so far as the music is concerned it is distinctly better than anything of the warne kind we have had here for a considerable time. Much of the composer s work is excellent. The choruses are especially good, while the song melodies are sweet and haunting, and—oh, rapture ! —not “ catchy.” I do not think the boy in the street will ever manage to learn one of them, and so we shall be able to enjoy them hereafter in the concert room and in the privacy of home. If the libretto but equalled the score in point of merit —but that is too much to expect. Where are all the new jokes, to come from with a new opera every day ? We ought to be satisfied that the disparity is not even more marked. The company is a strong one dramatically, but of singing voices that rise above the level of mediocrity there are only two, perhaps only one. Mr Pringle goes unchallenged, of course, and for her winsome ways, her lovely face, and her exceptionally brilliant acting, Miss May Beatty may be allowed to accompany him, but there are no others, not even Mr Piddock, for whom the soul yearns. Mr Pringle’s songs, in the character of the Gipsy musician, “Oh, Ye Townsmen,” “ Gipsy Love Song,” and “ The Song of the Sword,” were all splendidly rendered, and may be said to be the only striking solos in the opera, though there are many others that charm in their way. The comedy acting of Mr Lauri is especially fine, and the touch of this capable actor is apparent everywhere, and especially in the Hungarian ballet and other dances, of which the audience do not get half enough. The orchestra, under,Mr Zelman, is of full strength and thoroughly competent,. “ The . Fortune Teller ” is one of those productions that promise to grow on the affections. There is plenty to satisfy the better tastes and to gratify the milder, and we may easily forgive the few blemishes, which are mostly old jokes.