SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3036, 19 March 1881, Page 2

SIMONSEN'S OPERA COMPANY.

THE HERMIT'S BEIX

There was a fair house at the Theatre Royal last night, and the opera was evidently thoroughly enjoyed. Rose Moineau, the heroine, was impersonated by Madame Simonsen, with all the abandon necessary for a true delineation of the character. Outwardly exhibiting a careless disposition, and a nature apparently indifferent to the welfare of others, which has earned for her the reputation for being almost spiteful; every wrong-doing in the neighbourhood was attributed to Eose, whose pride would often allow the charge to remain uncontradicted, notwithstanding her innocence ; at the same time there is in tbe character just sufficient mischief to support the villagers in the opinion formed of Rose Moineau; but, as the opera proceeds, her true (disposition is discovered—sympathetic, kind, willing to assist others, yet careless, mischievous, and proud—euch are the points in the character of Eose Moineau, and they were brought out to tbe life by Madame Simonsen. Next in order may be taken Sylvan, the serving man to Thibaut, and lover of Rose. This part was allotted to Signor Bianchi, at whose hands it received full justice. Sylvan, like the rest of his neighbors, is always ready to believe the worst of Rose Moineau, ever ready to listen to the idle tales of the villagers respecting her, and scarcely ever willing to recognise any good action which may have been performed by Rose. Yet, being aware of her many good qualities, Sylvan proposes marriage to Rose, and is accepted by her. On the day set apart for the wedding cereraoßV, the spiteful villagers sneer at Sylvan for choosing such a wife; then they accuse Rose of betraying into the hands of the soldiers the fugitives whom she had undertaken to conduct safely to the frontier. By these means the marriage is neatly set aside, when Georgette reads aloud a message received by Rose, announcing the safety of the fugitives, and then it is that tbe'true and generous disposition of Rose Moineau is discovered, to the discomforture of all her opponents and delight of Sylvan. The characters of Georgette and Thibaut Were taken by Miss Martina Simonsen and Mr R. Campbell and Bellamy was allotted to Mr E, St. Clair. The respective parts were well sustained, and Miss Martina sang-with very good taste and expression. The music of tbe opera is highly descriptive, full of expression, and pleasing to the ear. In the overture is introduced what might be considered the principal air, which is repeated in the third act'in another key, " Yes to me," and is the finale to a long solo sung by Rose Moineau, in bridal array. This jolo, written in several different keys, and containing numerous marks of expression is tbe gem of the opera, and was executed by Madame Rimonsen most cleverly, and with exquisite taste. The chorus were quite at home in their work. Tbe scenery was admirable, and is we undeftand, by Mr Briggs, who has well maintain his reputation. To-night BalfeVopera " The Bohemian Girl" will be given.