Page 5 Advertisements Column 4

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1349, 29 January 1912, Page 5

"Orpheus in the Underground," the Christmas attraction at His' Majesty's, London, is arranged to the accompaniment Offenbacli!s sparkling music. The original piece, "Orpiiee aux Etifers," was first performed in ISSB, and iu the present production ii wa.t decided that the date should bo recalled by tho costume worn by Miss Lottio Ven'no in the character of Mr*. Oriiiidy -|.. . ■ allotted the, delivery of a prologue—did not Qmnce tho Carpenter acquit himself in similar fashion in "A Midsummer Night's Drrain"?—and this should relieve tho aitdience of any apprehension regarding the scope and nature of the piece they are about to witness. Her presence Mrs. Grundy explains on tho grounds Hint "I am here, the dual Ceusor's chanco, To mnke quite English what proceeds from France." While sho represents ISSB, the remaining characters date considerably further back. Not to Homeric times, however, but to that gentler ora which Wattcau, with Ms magic .brush, illustrated for the delight of future generations. It is to tho panel paintings of the Court of Louis XIV that Sir Herbert Tree haw gouo for tho "dramatis, norsonao" of "Orpheus in the Underground." The step secures to the production an abundant supply of colour, grncCj and animation. Mr. C'ourtice Pounds, who was engaged for tho role o( Orpheus, devoted his leisure, hours for weeks beforehand, it if related, to the. practice of various musical instruments— not only the violin and 'cello, but evon tho opnicleidn and bassoon, in order to pive .the- required touch of realism to tho character.