"PAUL JONES"

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2681, 29 January 1916, Page 12

"PAUL JONES"

NOTABLE OPERA REVIVED "Paul Jones," a comic opera in three acts. Written by 11. 8.-l'arnie. Music by ltobert Planquette. Cast— Don Trocadero Leslie Holland Rufino de Martinez ... Reginald Roberts Bicoquet C. If-. Bnntoclc Kit Kestrel Derek Hudson Bouillabaisso Phil Smith Petit Pierre Charles Albert Mnlaguena Addie Lennard G'Uopinette Minnio Love Yvonne Ethel Cadman Paul Jones ; Florence Young Much has been written and invented about the exploits of Paul Jones, the American buccaneer, or, to be a little more polite, privateersmau, and when H. B. Farnie presented his book to that master melodist, Robert Planquette, he still further confused the public mind as to tho man[s true character whilst presenting a highly amusing and' romantic edition of. the famous sea rover. The opera is not unfamiliar to any regular theatre-goer, and thanks to its musical merit and the fine performances which have been given in the past it was accorded a warm welcome at the Grand Opera House last evening. The premier cast was that which included Nellie Stewart, Marion Burton, Geo. H. Snazelle, Geo. Leitch, and John Gourlay, but those players were not seen together in the opera in this country, but we have memories of Wallace Brownlow, N'ellie Stewart, Howard Vernon, George Lauri, and others in Planquette's lively work, and an excellent amateur cast did very well in tho opera here a couple of years ago. The performance of the Royal Cfomic '• ppera Company last evening was in tome respects equal to the highest standard set iii this country. It was with singular pleasure that we heard Miss Florence Young sing the music of the title role, originally played by . a mezzosoprano. Her fresh, vigorous, and highly musical voice met every demand with ease, and what. was particularly attractive was that every word in every song was clearly enunciated. Miss Young's Paul Jones will bo remembered as an outstanding feature of the present season, and a further endorsement of ■ the sincere artistry of this popular performer. Her numbers were encorcd without exception. Miss Ethel Cadman made a piquant, if somewhat perfunctory, Wonne. The newest prima donna gave tho impression that she was not overinterested ill fclie part, and spoke several of her lines with meaningless inflection. Still she sang the music very nicely, and made a conspicuous success of the popular solo "Before the Altar." Miss Minnie Love was once more admirably placed as Chopinette, and missed no chance to score in the boisterous comedy allotted to the worried wine-seller. There was an. obvious miscast in regard to the comedy roles of Bouillabaiso and Petit Pierre, the cue a big, lazy henpeeked smuggler, the latter his diminu- • tiv© mate : and imitator. Witii Mr. Phil Smith as Bouillabaise and Mr. diaries Albert as Petit Pierre, tho physical requirements were reversed, and a good deal of the point was misßed in consequence. Both comedians are, however, lively fun-provokers and good dnnceiis, and theirs was a mirth-provok-ing misfit at the worst. Mr. Leslie Holland was excellent as the eccofitric Don Trocadero, and his animated hairpin attitudes and capital acting were the mainstay of tho final act. Miss Addie Lennard looked and acted well as Malaguena; Sir. Claudo Bantock was Bicoquet; Mr. Beg. Roberts strutted gallantly in the peacock feathers of Don Rufino; and Mr. Derek Hudson swaggered bravely as Kit Kestrel. The opera was well mounted, and Mr. Burton's orchestra was all sufficient.

THE QUAKER GIRL. To-nicht at the Grand Opera Houso >T. C. Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company will revive the tuneful musical play, "The Quaker Girl," which play when last produced in Wellington attracted record audiences. Tho principal ingredients in "The Quaker Girl" are catchy melodies, clever dialogue, and delightful musical numbers, whilst tho comedians have extra special license for fun-making. Leslie Holland will repeat his breezy interpretation of Tony Chute, and C. R. Bantock liis characterisation of Nathiel Pymm. Mr. Fhil Smith is, it' is said, even" funnier as Jcrimiali than as Timothy Gibbs in "Our Miss Gibbs," and Miss Minnie I<ove, it is stated, is a host in herself as Phoebe. Some of Miss Ethel Cadman's greatest triumphs have been won in tho role of Prudence, and Miss Maggie Moore is said to he at her very best as Madame Blum. Mr. Derek Hudson's rich baritone voice should be heard at its best in the music allotted the part of Prince OJt'.-l, including as it does the wellknown number "Won't You Come to tbo Ball?" Reginald Roberts, who is always good in any part, will appear as Captain Charteris, The staging and •dressing are features of the production. Only two representations can be (riven of "The Quaker Girl," and on Tuesd ayand Wednesday next "Ma Mie Rosette" will he staged. The season will close with three productions of Dancing Mistress." The plans for the season are at the Bristol.