H.M.S. PINAFORE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 36, 18 December 1879, Page 4

H.M.S. PINAFORE.

D’Orsay Ogden and Towle’s Opera Bouffe Company appeared at the Town Hall last night to a splendid house. The opera produced was the famous “ H.M.S. Pinafore,” with scenery and effects from the Accudemy of Music, Christen r h. Miss Thorne, a; Josephine, was excellent, both in singing avi acting, and dressed the part most appropriately. Mrs. Florence, owing to the unavoidable absence of Miss Beatrice, undertook the part of Buttercup, and made a decided hit, her pure contralto voice telling well in the concerted music. Madlle. Murriell, a new aspirant to lyric fame, was very happy in her part as the Cousin Hebe, and won golden opinions from all. Mr. Mack D. Alexander fully sustained his reputation as a careful and conscientious vocalist and actor. His bye play and “official” utterances were always provocative of well earned mirth. Mr. J. W. Marshall was very creditable as the Captain, his magnificent baritone voice being very suitable to the role. Mr. Florence, as Ralph Rackstraw, was all that could be desired, his exceptionally robust tenor being specially suited to the lively music of this the first of opera comiques. Mr. Warren was the Deadeye and acquitted himself remarkably well ; Mr. Cahill was amusing as the Boatswain. Sir Joseph Porter introduced, very felicitiously an interlude in the first act, which was very well received. Mr. Marshall sang maguificiently the “ Slavechase,” Mrs Florence the favorite scena “ Rocked in the cradle of the deep. ” Mr. Florence then delighted everyone by bis artistic rendering of the “ Death of Nelson.” Miss Murriell followed with “ Marble Halls,” and received a welldeserved encore ; her top notes are really wonderful, reminding one of Sherwin or De Murska, they are so pure, clear, and unforced. Mr. Marshall finished the melange with a spirited rendering of “ Nancy Lee.” It is sufficient to say that Mr. H. F. Towle presided at the pianoforte to guarantee the excellence of the We shall be glad to welcome this Company back again, and as we hear it is comtemplated after the Christinas and New Tear holidays to produce and with all the scenery effects &c., the pantomime with the classical burlesque of Acis and Galatea, with a considerably augmented company, we can fairly presage a treat of no ordinary nature is in store for tho Ashburton and surrounding districts. Mr. Ogden and Mr. Towle deserve great credit for their pluck and enterprise.