THEATRE ROYAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3654, 31 March 1883, Page 3

THEATRE ROYAL.

noccAccio. Mr Simonsen's Opera Company are to be congratulated on the success that attended tho first representation in Napier of A on Suppe's celebrated comic opera "Boccaccio " at the Theatre Royal hist night. The piece was placed upon the stage in capital style, aud till the dresses and appointments Avere gu< id and appropriate. Some pretty scenery was introduced, the minuet scene in the third act presenting a very fine effect. " Boccaccio " is an opera that admirably suits tho resources of Mr Simonsen's company, both as regards the libretto and music. It abounds iv fun of the " fast and furious" description, and many of the scenes arc irresistably laughable. The tableau tit the end of the first act, Avhere Boccaccio sees his books burnt before his eyes, Avas cleverly managed, aud created great amusement. As Aye have already given our readers a description of the plot, ku. } it Avill not be necessary to do more here than to make a few comments on the manner in which the various performers in the cast interpreted their respective parts. Madame Simonseiiiu the title role Avas, of course, tho chief attraction, and Aye think it Avill be generally admitted that never before in Napier had she the opportunity for showing her versatility as au actress to such advantage as last night. . As tho gay dashing Boccaccio, fond of the ladies, and not too particular sis to the means employed to accomplish whatever object he might have in view, Madame Simonsen acted Avith a sprightliuess and A-igour that Avould haA-e done credit to a much younger artiste. It is" almost unnecessary to add that her singing throughout was possessed of a high order of ""merit, and Avell deserved the hearty recognition it received from the audience. In the introduced song, "Don't forget me," she literally held the Avhole house spellbound until the finish, Avhcn she was rapturously recalled. Her rendering of this really charming little song should be heard by everyone who cau possibly make it convenient to attend the Theatre either to-night or on Monday. The song, "There is a Jolly student standing here," was sung Avith considerable dash, and in the concerted music throughout Madame Simonsen lent valuable assistance. The Fiametta of Miss Leonora Simonsen Avas an excellent performance, notwithstanding that the part is only a small one, aud the music that fell to her lot Avas sung in her usual good style. She Avas especially good in the several duets with. Boccaccio, aud in the song, " 0 love, sweet tender nWer." Miss Frances Sa-A-ille also made the most of a small part, viz., that of Isabella, Avife of the drunken cooper Lotteringhi. She looked charming, its indeed she always does, and acted Avith that naivete of manner so characteristic of all her performances. Miss Gore and Miss Stanley were also very good as Leonetto and Perouella respectively, aud both sang Avell the music allotted to them. Miss Stanley's representation of the prudish damsel of uncertain age and anxious to make a match was capital and provoked considerable merriment. Miss Louie Vere was successful as Beatrice, the barber's pretty daughter. We uoay come to tbe geutlaaen per-

formers, and of these Mr Brcnnir is entitled to first mention, not only for his acting, but for his singing also. The music of "Boccaccio " being well suited to his voice, we need hardly say he did it full justice. Mr AVentworth played the drunken cooper to perfection, and his " Battle song," with chorus, was very effective. As the old grocer Lambertuceio Mr Fitzgerald made up splendidly, and his acting in every detail was in keeping with the character and highly amusing. Mr Lissant made a very Scalza. " The remaining characters were all capably portrayed, but call for no special mention. AYe regret having once more to refer to a tendency on the part of some of the performers to slur the dialogue to the destruction of the sense, while in the case of one or two at least there is an ovcrproneness to "gag " that is very and that always detracts from the merits of a performance. AVith these slight defects remedied, the most fastiduous play-goer could find little- if any fault with " Boccaccio" as played by Mr Simouscn's company. AYe cordially recommend those of our readers who desire to enjoy a gVod hearty laugh, and at the same time to hear some really good music, not to miss the opportunity of seeing this latest novelty in comic opera before it is withdrawn.