THE OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 3448, 11 March 1874, Page 2

THE OPERA.

“ Maritana ” was repeated last evening to a moderate attendance in the circle, but a pretty full one in the lower parts of the house. The opera went much better than on the first representation. Miss May had to bow her acknowledgements in response to a demand for the repetition of “Scenes that are brightest;” and similar compliments were paid to Miss Lambert for “ Alas, those chimes ; ” to Mr Hallam for “ Turn on old time,” and to Mr Rainford for “In happy moments.” The duet, “ Sainted Mother,” was again so well rendered by Misses May and Lambert as to call forth repeated applause. To-night

THE GRAND DECHESS OF GEROLSTEIN will bo produced. The sensation it created in England is known to most of our readers, who will also recollect that a version of it was played in Dunedin abjut four years ago, with an imperfect company. Looked at merely as a whimsicality it is amusing, but it seems as if it had been written with other motives, and was intended to satirise the doings and movements of Court politicians. The Grand Duchess is represented to be a young lady who has not been accustomed to restraint. After a burlesque scene between an officer and his _ troops, in which love and jealousy do their work, the Grand Duchess is introduced to review her army. Her notion is to show her appreciation of them by sharing in their enjoyments, and to the dismay of her tutor and General Boom she is suddenly smitten with love for one of the private soldiers. The rapid promotion of her favorite to the post of General, and the_ disgrace of old Boom at the Council of War. is crowns i by a love scene between fritz and the Duffles.-?, who, on his re* turn from victory, makes love to him. Notwithstanding his bright prospects, he prefers Ms first flame. As a matter of course her Highness becomes jealous, and though she consents to his marriage with Wanda, she joins a conspiracy to dispatch her successful general. Bui, she changes her mind; he is not to be killed. While he, to ease his wife’s alarm, takes off his eiqaulettes and plume, and appear|bo without them before the Duchess, he is sent back to the ranks, while she marries a Prince—of course. When lust played here the music was made up. To-night Offenbach’s version will bo listened to.