"OLIVETTE."

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3957, 26 March 1884, Page 3

"OLIVETTE."

The largest audience of the season was present last night at the Theatre Royal to witness the first production of Audran's " Olivette." Tho performance was a capital one throughout, and the audience did hot fail to show its appreciation of tho sparkling music, magnificent dressing, and splendid scenery, but loudly applauded the excellent efforts of ; the performers. It may be ' that, being more familiar ; with "Olivette" than "Mascotto," we prefer the former opera; be that as it may,- many of the aucicncc last evening asserted that the piece was the best opera and tho finest spectacle that has ever been presented on our local stage. As in "Mascotto" the management had spared no pains to render tho production worthy of As managers and caterers for the public in the highest ranks of the drama and opera, Messrs Williamson, Garner, and Musgrovo have earned for themselves tho first position in tho colonies, and whatever they produco tho public arc satisfiod that it will be put on the stage in a manner to satisfy every demand. The threo scenes of last night were splendid specimens of the sconiu art. The groupings, marchings, and posing wero all aliko excellent. Tho principals, while faultlessly dressed, were supported by a chorus whoso dressing; was equally appropriate. Though excisions last night Avere very numerous—why we do not know—all tho gems of the opera given in our columns last evening, with tho exception of- "The Convent Slept," were faithfully given. Tho beautiful overture, introducing as it docs the tunes of the opera, and which ..has always been a favorite in Napier, .was warmly applauded ; if a fault could bo found with tho orchestra, it was that some of the accompaniments wore not subdued enough. Miss Nellie Stewart, as tho' Countess, appeared to greater advantage than on the previous evenings.- Her acting was good in tho extreme, while she sang the music allotted to her in capital style. "First Lovo" was a splendid effort on her part, and was, as it deserved to be, rapturously encored. In tho song and refrain a due, "I lovo, my love so well," with Olivette, both were heard to great advantage, and a repetition had to be given. But perhaps her most artistic offort was "Nearest and Dearest," when her rich sympathetic voice was hoard at its best. Her acting throughout the piece was of tho highest character, and the audienco was entirely with her. Miss Liddiard was a very acceiitablo Olivette, and an encore Avas insisted on for her rendering of the plaintive sob song. Mr Howard Vernon, as tho Due Dcs Ifs,

acted with great spirit, and gave "Bob Up Scrorncly" with such clever action .and correct singing that an encore had to be submitted to. Wo confess that Mr Woodfield gave evidence in his impersonation of Valentino of more dramatic ability than avc credited him Avith. As a singer ho hasjj taken a- high place Avith us, and that... good place was strengthened greatly by the excellent way in which hs sang, " Darling, Good-night." In tho make-up of his undo he was such a splondid counterfeit that some of tho audience Avere completely mystified by him. Merimac, an old sea dog, Avas ably filled by Mr Kelly, avlio shoAvcd last night that not only is he a comedian of the highest order, but a vocalist of no mean ability, as his " Yacht and the Brig" clearly testified. The scene Avhen uncle and nephew meets Avas one of tho most comic situations in the opera. Mr Wallace last night showed how much can be got out of a subsiduary character by a capablo artist. ' As the foster brother no one Avould have for a moment imagined that the same actor on tho preceding night had played the part of King ; the two characters Avere totally distinct, and need avc say thathis eccentricities and drolleries werethofunof the piece. His make-up, Avhethor intentional or not, Avas a capital imitation of a certain individual who occasionally visits us on festive days. The reader need not enquire his name, for avc could only quota Mr Wallace and say—" As if you didn'tknow." Any character Mr Wallace plays makes it a difficult matter for a critic to describe, and we on this occasion simply say to the reader go and see him for yourself. The minor parts Avere capably filled, testifying to tho great resources of the most capable company that has ever visited New Zealand. The choruses were all good, evidencing careful drilling and rehearsing, perhaps the best of all being " Jamaica Rum." To-night "Olivette" Avill be repeated for the last timo, and to those avlio heard it for the first time last evening avc say go again to-night and you will be still better pleased Avith tho music and acting, and to those who were not present last evening Aye say, do not 'miss the chance of seeing ono of the finest operas that has ever been produced, played and mounted in a style Avhich could not be surpassed.