THEATRE ROYAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3652, 29 March 1883, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

Tun Grand Duchess.

Offenbach's comic opera, "The Grand Duchess," Avas performed at the Theatre Royal last night by tho Simonscn Opera Company, and aax* arc pleased to say it avus placed upon the stage in a much more com; pletc manner than any of the other pieces that have been produced during the season. The greater number of the defects pointed out by us luia'c been remedied, and it may iioaa' fairly be anticipated that the remaining operas in the prospectus Avill be presented in a manner that Avill ensure public approbation. The opening scene last night Avas both pretty and appropriate, and the distribution of the chorus Avas such as to relieve the stage of that bare appearance always so irksome to those "in front." It must also be said of every individual member of tho company that they Avorked their A-cry hardest to make the performance a success, and as a natural result tlicy received the sj .nptithics of the audience. The solo and chorus "Lo ! hero tho sabre," together with the frantic chorus, formed the best item of the evening of its description, being taken spiritedly and in excellent time. The drinking chorus at the commencement of the fourth act Avas also given in praiseAvorthy style. Indeed the Avhole performance Avent toAA'ards shoAving that, Avhere all try to do their best, success is not far to seek. Miss Leonora Sinionsen as the Grand Duchess dressed Avith exquisite taste, and both sang and acted Avith charming uhtinihm, In her intervieAVs with Fritz she Avas especially effective, AA'hile in that scene Avhere the erstwhile private receives his rapid promotion to the rank of commander-in-chief her ever-varying demeanour as she uoav addresses Fritz, uoav Boom, betokened more than average histrionic ability. No small degree of praise is also due to this lady for her singing. The rondo, " I doat on the military," was taken Avith considerable life and vigor, but perhaps her best effort avus the rondo in tho second act, " Say to him an impress he's made." The latter Avas sung Avith much expression, and was warmly applauded. Miss Frances Saville took the small part of AVanda, and certainly made the most of it. Her acting Avas natural and sprightly, aud her dressing of the character picturesque. The remaining young ladies in the cast filled their respective parts very creditably. Of tbe male performers M. Brcnnir is entitled to first mention for the excellent stylo in AA'hich he played throughout. He was the devil-may-care soldier Avith a Avarm heart for the poor peasant girl, in every Avord and gesture; indeed, AA'ith A-ocal pOAvers of a higher order, his Fritz AA'ould bo difficult to excel. Mr Lissant's General Boom was a capital performance, and not without originality of a pleasing description. His make-up Avas immense, and suited well the character. The scene Avhere he Avith Baron Puck (Mr AVentwortli) intcrvicAvs Prince Paul (Mr Fitzgerald) at the beginning of tho second act avus highly laughable. AYe have only uoav to add our regret that it Avas considered necessary to "cut" several portions of the opera towards the end. This land of thing is hardly fair, unless there is absolute necessity for it, AA'hich avc believe there avus not iv the present instance.

To-night "Maritaua" "AA'ill be produced, Miss Martina Sinionsen assuming the title rolf, AA'hen Aye hope to sec a full house. A special train Avill run to Hastings at the close of the performance.