THE OPERA.

Evening Star, Issue 3719, 23 January 1875, Page 3

THE OPERA.

We need scarcely say that Wallace’s “ Maritana” was exceedingly well played last evening at the Princess Theatre, to a full house. We la t evening gave a sketch of the plot, in which the principal characters were named ; it is, therefore, only needful to say that Miss Alice May appeared as Maritana, which she played with thatpeculiargraoe,and intuitive perception of what is needed that characterise all her performances. Miss Howe, to whom was allotted the character of Lazarillo, surprised everyone, not only hy her singing, but in her representation of it throughout. In the opening piece of the second act, in which, she sings “ Alas, those Chimes,” she displayed not only a mastery over the sentiment of the piece, but a power of expression and a range of voice that we were not prepared to _ expect. She is an actress of _ great promise, and only needs careful training to her talent to become distinguished as a songstress. Mr Leveson as the King of Spain, Mr Hallam as the dare devil Don Caesar, and Mr Vernon as the Marquis were all excellent in their separate parts. In fact, w6 should not be doing justice to every one concerned, chorus, orchestra, scenic artist, and management, were we not to say that “Maritana” was as pleasingly rendered as anything that has been played in Dunedin. Yet there was a drawback—not one on the part «f the Opera Company, but one that is due to the larrikinism of Dunedin. We should not like to be reported across the water so loudly as the reports sounded last night in the Theatre. We have every sympathy with imt-cracking. Darwin tells us that our remote forefathers of the monkey tribe cracked nuts ; but hairy as they and their wives were, they very likely had no other music, and therefore thought a good round report which preceded the development of a nut as big as a rifle bullet, no bad accompaniment to a primitive feast. Such resonant pracks are, however, not always in tun with modern instruments; and we are quite sure that those who enjoy nut cracking more than music, will contrive to lay in a stock betwixt acts in future, and not disturb orchestra, singers, and lovers of music with accompaniments as startling in effect as they are harsh and discordant. If any one has pinched himself of a meal to enjoy the opera, and is content with a pennyworth of nuts, we can sympathise with his necessities, and feel quite sure that in future Le will not parade his needs to the annoyance of well-fed citizens. To-night “ Martha ” will be repeated.