THE OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 3701, 2 January 1875, Page 2

THE OPERA.

‘ The Grand Duchess,” the comic opera that created such a sensation at Home, mainly through the rendering of the character by Miss Julia Matthews, was played by the Royal Opera Company at the Princess Theatre last evening. This celebrated satire upon the upper classes has passed through three stages in Dunedin. The first attempt to'give us an idea of its merits was by a composite c ist, in which Fritz was represented by an amateur of very limited musical and the remaining characters by professional actors, who had none. That it failed was not, therefore a matter of surprise, and. even the satire, though severe, requires experience of a social condition, with which our younger colonists are for the most part unacquainted. The second presentation was by the Opera Company' now here, before their organisation was thorough, and, although it was well performed then, it fell far short of last evening’s representation. Last night Mr Vernon appeared as Fritz, the hero of the piece. He has evidently made a study ef the character, which he played well throughout. His differences with his general, and his conduct under that official’s unjust oppressions, his unsophisticated love for Wanda, and ignorant stolidity as to the meaning of the blandishments of the Grand Duchess, an*l his steady preference for his betrothed peasant girl to the courtly lady who so undisguisedly made love to him, were all well brought out, and formed a striking contrast to the hollowness of the aristocratic world with which he was so unexpectedly brought in contact. Prince Paul (Mr C. Lester) had just sufficient of the Dnndreary-cum-simpleton about it to divest it of being a copy. Mr Lester’s idea of the character is a good one. It is one that o-m be easily imagined of a fortune hunting German prince of a petty state prior to the absorption of the kingdoms, duchies, and principalities into the German Empire. Baron Puck (Mr Wilkinson) plays a very _ important part in this plotting drama. He is the statesman of the piece—very cowardly, v«=ry cunning, and very subservient. General Boom is a sort of German Sir John

f'alstaff. He can bully his soldiers, make love to the women, boast of his prowess, bear indignity and degradation without dying under it, and plot for gratifying his revenge and regaining his position. The scene between the wily statesman, the general, and the other characters in the drama were very amusing. Nepomuc (Hr Levison), an aide-de-camp, had little to do but fulfil and convey orders, which he did as became one in his position. Baron Grog (Mr Newton) had as little to do, hub did it well. Miss Alice May appeared as the self-willed, capricious, inexperienced Grand Duchess, and we can hardly imagine a more perfect impersonation. Fully equal to all the vocal requirements of the part, her acting added a charm to it that never flagged. Her desire to escape marrying a prince she despised, her sudden love for Fritz and the arbitrary of conduct to which it led ; her jealousy of his love for another, her consciousness that she had committed herself to a wrong course, and in gratification of her revenge her capricious reversal of all that she had done were depicted with truth, vivacity, and sprightliness. Miss Lambert, as Wanda, sang and acted with care and effect. The maids of

honor—Misses Amy Johns, B. Harris, Lester, and Florence Howe were only called upon once to appear as soloists, and they acquitted themselves well. The music throughout was most effectively rendered. The company have acquired the art of working choruses up in a manner seldom excelled, even with appliances and instruments that cannot be commanded here. “ The Grand Duchess” abounds with fine ns well as whimsical musical effects, and they were carefully as well as accurately brought out. The most impressive air and chorus, “ Lo, here the sabre of my sire!” the solo part of which fell to the lot of Miss May, was beautifully rendered; while perhaps Mr Vernon’s best effort was the rondo, “ ‘\ll in good order, colors flying.” The scenery, dresses, and stage arrangements were excellently managed, and the groupings incident to the most striking “ situations” presented very effective pictures. Although the efforts of an orchestra are not often commented upon, they form a very important item in the elements of success, and upon their skill depends many effects that could not be accomplished without their aid. To their efficient help much of last evening’s success must be attributed. To-night Offenbach’s opera, “Goneveive of Brabant,” will he played, in which Miss Alice May will appear as-Drogan, and Mr Hallam as Cororico, Duke of Brabant. The entertainment will conclude with the pantomime.