CARY'S JUVENILE PIRATES.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3271, 27 December 1881, Page 2

CARY'S JUVENILE PIRATES.

Mr Cary's juvenile Pirates of Penzance opera Company opened at the Theatre Royal last evening, and were warmly received by a full house. The piece was well dressed and admirably put upon the stage, great attention having evidently been paid by Mr Cary to grouping and situations; in short tbe stage at times presented the appearance of a brilliant fairy picture. The scenery was also very fine, more especially that introduced into the second act. The singing of the youngsters in the several choruseß had a striking effect, while their acting at times was not only highly amusing but natural and entirely free from stiffness or indecision.

An efficient orchestra under the conductorship of Mr Cemini added considerably to the general success. The opening choru?, "Pour, oh pour the pirate sherry," augered well for the musical abilities of the performer*?, and was followed by Ruth's song, which was nicely rendered. The scene between Frederick and Ruth, where the latter is questioned as regards her personal appearance, was gone through in a manner worthy of experienced actors. Master Willie Gary sang '' The Pirate King " in good tune and time, although his voice seemed scarcely stronar enough for the part. This little fellow's acting, however, showed hira to be possessed of considerable self-possession and tact. The several duets between Frederick and Ruth were excellently given, and received much applause. Master Williams (Fred.) possesses a sweet tenor voice over whicki he has good control. His recitative pieces were rendered with accuracy. Perhaps the best solos of the evening were those of Mabel (Lena Robinson). This little lady reminds us very much of the Germaine who accompanied Mr Pollard's troupe on their last trip. Her singing of " Poor Wandering One " was a marvellous performance for one so young. Space will not permit of our referring at any length to the various other performers, each of whom seemed to delight in doing his or her best, but a word of special mention is certainly due to the Major-General, who both sang and acted well; to the little ladies who comprised the picnic party, and to tte policemen, particularly the Sergeant and the little baby Robinson, whose simple antics caused so much merriment in tho last act. While we feel bound to confess that there is still some room for improvement in the details of the performance, it gives us pleasure to advise our readers not to mias the pleasure of seeing Mr Cary's company in " The Pirate 9," as on the whole they provide a genuine treat of a description not often produced on the Napier Btage.