AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 4264, 26 October 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THE TEMPERANCE HALL.

Mr Clifford's views at the Temperance Hall still prove attractive. Last evening scenes in London were exhibited to the satisfaction of a numerous audience. THE PRINCESS'S THEATRE. At the Prinoess's Theatre last eveninsr there wasf a good attendance te witness Mr Dampier's impersonation of Mncbeth in Shakespear's great tragedy. Since appearing as Hamlet a great wish has been felt to witness this gentleman's efforts in other Shakespearian characters, and the unusual counterattractions last night alone prevented the audience from beirg far larger than it w:is Those who were present en j »ved a !{rt'at treat in Mr Dompier's representation, which was at oneo natural, vigorous, and effective. Mrs Walter Hill took the trying part of Lady Macbeth, and it is needless to say created u favorable impression. Mr Steele made an admirable Macduff, and the other characters were filled satisfactorily. Locke's miißic was very fairly rendered, and on the whole a satisfactory performance was given. This evening the great play " The Stranger " will be produced. THE SIMONSEN" OPERA TROUPE. "We scarcely think that the return of the Simonsen Opera Company to Dunedin is generally known, or a larger audience would have assembled at the Queen's Theatre last nignt than greeted thtm on their reappearance. Those who, fortunately for thomselvos, were aware of the faor, had prepared for them a musical treat, seldom to be enjoyed in the Colonies. Although on their first visit to Dunedin' it was evident the company comprised vo alists and instrumentalists of high talent, they could scarcely be said to be organ! ed. They were strange to each other and to tho work they had to do. Months have passed away, they have acted and Sung together, the orchestra and chorus have became identified with the soloists, each knows the part to be sustained and when and how to do it, so that every thing oes with precision, decision, good taste, aud effect. The band is, without exoeption, the best we have had in New Zealand. Th« opera presented last evening was Bellini's "Norma," in which Madame Simonseu sustained the character of the Hiyh Priestess; Miss Fisher, that of Adalgisa; Miss Harris. Clothilde; Mr Morley, Pollio; Mr Harrington, Oroveso; and Mr Ewart, Flavio. We need not say that tho weight o: the piece lies upon Norma, Polio, and Adalgisa, little being left for the rest to do. The little however, especially on the part of Oroveso, requires good singing and acting, and Mr Barring ton proved himself fully equal to both requirements, 'i he overture was very splendidly played by the band; and, in faot, throughout, both in symphonies and accompaniments, their execution was admirable. We hove heard nothing super'or to it out of London. Much of this iB no doubt attributable to careful and judicious conducting by Mr Simonsen, bnt his efforts would be almost lost labor with less individually talented performers. Madame Simonsen's Norma fully equalled what wo expected of her. Her high attainments and natural gifts as a vocalist, and her dramatic t<Bte and acquirements, prepared us <o anticipate much. Hitherto in Dunedin, Madame Simonsen has been trammelled and cramped by circumstances; but last night sho was favorably situated. Supported by an effective band and by vocalists in whom she oo Id confide, she was free to give full effect to her conception of tho character, and it is not too high praiße to Bcyß c y that her representation of the varied emotions and passions incident to Norma's story was fully equal, if not superior, to auy former performance af that character in Dunedin. Miss Fishei's Adalgisa was ciroful and effective. As this lady acquires confidence she will attain a high rank in her profession. In the duets with Siirnor Morley ; and Mr.uame Simonsen she sang with corrccrness and tasto, and throughout the evening received repeated expressions of approbation. ~Wf can scarcely say too much in praise of Mr Morley. Very rare is it to listen to so rich and full a tenor voice, so well under command, and with so extensive a compass. Mr Morley seems capable of reaching A fiat ox A in alt, with bis chest voice, with mm; thtin iii therefor*, *a t*Hfew •! the

thinness and tendency to nasal intonation that sometimes forms a drawback to othnrwise wood tenor voice*. To this natural advantage Mr Morley Las added carefully-cultivated dnimatio attainments. Hia Pollio, considered either in respect to vocalisation or dramatic effect, was a finished representation. We need not dwell upon each feature of the opera, nor weary our readers by detailing how " Casta Diva," " Mira o Norma," or "El Tornera" were rendered; or how effectively the chorus pave " Norma Vieni" or tooktheir part in " Guerra Guerra." Onoe or twice during the evening a basso pitched his note a little sharp, bat these slips only served to remind one of how well the rest did theirs. Like all other divisions of the corps, the Chorus are well trained aud know their work. The_ opera went Bmoothly throughout and without a hitch, and the leading artists were frequently called before the curtain and received enthusiastic expressions of approval. " Madame Angot" is appointod for performance to-night. It is not the first time that it has been played here, but it may reasonably be expeoted to be given far more effectively than before,

and we therefore anticipate a crowded house.