THE JUVENILE OPERA AND PANTOMIME COMPANY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3601, 26 January 1883, Page 3

THE JUVENILE OPERA AND PANTOMIME COMPANY.

Messrs Stanley and Darby-hire's Juvenile Opera Bouffe and Pantomime Company leave Gisborne for this port to-day, and Avill open in the Theatre Royal to-morroAV (Saturday) evening in "Pinafore,"' a piece in which the children are said to excel. The folloAA'ing description of the cast is from an Auckland exchange : —"The part of Sir Joseph Porter, K.C.B, Avas undertaken by Miss Dolly Inman, and it is doubtful if any of the leading stars amongst the seniors have ever played this part AA-ith greater skill than did this little child of seven years of age. Her singing was splendid, and the applause at the conclusion of the song in which, the Admiral relates the means by which he became "X.C.8., the Ruler of the Queen's Navee," Avas really immense. Captain Corcoran Avas played by Miss Beatrice Holmes. Miss ' Amelia Hodge performed the part of Ralph RackstraAV, the nominal hero of the piece ; and it is not too much praise to the. young lady to say that she was as perfect in her part as even Amies Beaumont himself, and it is doubtful if even that occomplished star has eA-er received such really genuine applause as greeted the singing and acting of Miss Hodge. The hornpipe between her and little Buttercup Avas splendidly danced, aud the plaudits which followed shoAved the approbation of the audience. Her clear fresh voice was heard to great advantage, and elicited much applause. Master Jackson Avas BoatsAvain, and Master Alfred Capper Avas Dick Deadeye. The by-ploy of these two provoked hearty laughter amongst the audience, and as this'was their office it is needless to say they performed it. ' The difficult part of Josephine was essayed by Miss Flora Graupiier. This young lady possesses a splendid, clear, and poAverful voice, Avith very distinct enunciation and she gave excellent effect to tho rare gift Avhich she possesses. She has eA-idently great histrionic ability, and is certainly the prettiest Josepldue Aye have yet seen. Miss Amy Childs took the part of the Portsmouth bum-boat woman, Little Buttercup, Avith great effect, her singing being of a very high order indeed, and her acting equally good. The minor parts ware all well taken, the choruses Avell sung, and as a whole the performance must be described as being a thorough and genuine success, and one Avliich must be seen to bo appreciated hi the manner in Avhich it deserves."