POLLARD OPERA COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 243, 22 October 1901, Page 2

POLLARD OPERA COMPANY.

! “ FLORODORA." 3 Tiik popularity of the I’ollard Opera ’ Company was strongly evidenced lustevening by the crowded audience that ’ assembled at the Theatre Royal, and from " the rise to the full of the curtain laughter reigned supreme. The management arc j to be congratulated on their choice of ' “ Florodora ” for the oponing of the 1 Gisborne season. It is a musical comedy beyond the common, the music is bright i and sparkling, the dialogue is witty, and I the staging of the piece is all that can he 1 desired. The plot is more complete than is - generally the case in operas of this kind, j The island of “ Florodora ”is owned by ; one Cyrus Gilfain, whoso manager, Fred - Abercoed, is in love with Dolores, a scent 2 maker. The arrival of Gilfain introduces 2 an eccentric old gentleman, followed by 1 six clerks in tropical attire, who proceed 1 at once to exchange the usual amenities ) with six English ladies, who have accom- ) panied Mr Gilfain’s daughter, Angela, to 3 the island. Gilfain, knowing that Dolores 3 is legally the owner of “ Florodora,” intro--3 duces Professor Twecdlcpunch, a travelling phrenologist, to endeavor to persuade her that Nature intended her to marry > Gilfain, and the professor, in the course 1 of a most diverting phrenologistic seance, * proceeds to tangle up all the couples on ! the stage. Lady Holyrood, a widow, has designs on Gilfain, the millionaire, and her brother, Captain Donegal, is drawn to Angela Gilfain. The story is carried on in the second act in the ancestral castle of the Ahercoods, in Wales. Mr Gilfain acquired possession by purchase, but the millionaire is eventually induced to disgorge his ill-gotten wealth through the appearance of the Abercoed family ghost, engineered by the phrenologist, who is disguised as a Welsh bard, Lady Holyrood impersonating the apparition. There are a number of pretty dances in the Opera, and the dressing of the piece is on a most extravagant scale. As Anthony Twoediepunch, a showman, phrenologist, hypnotist, and palmist, Mr W. Percy proved himself the success of the evening. His appearance on the stage was the signal for a round of applause, and throughout the piece he kept the audience in continual roars of laughter, Wo have seen Mr Percy in many characters, hut we do not think vc have seen him to such advantage as he appeared last evening. Hu threw himself heart and sou! into the part, and sustained it to the letter. His exhibition of phrenology was unique, whilst his singing of “ It’s an 111-assorted Marriage ” gained for him an imperative encore. Mr H. Quealy gave a capital interpretation of the part of Cyrus W. Gilfain, proprietor of the island, whilst My H. O'Connor fully sustained the character of Frank I j Abcrcoera, tiis manager. Mr O’Connor has a voice of excellent quality, and he | quite captivated the audience with his I : I'ndering of the song, “ In the Shade of | the Palm.” Mr G. Carter appeared as I Captain Arthur Donegal. He hardly j appeared to such advantage in his singing i as vyc have he.g'd him on previous occasions, and was apparently suffering from a slight cold. Miss May Beatty made an ’ excellent Dolores, and acted and sang in a charming manner. Her acting with Mr ' Percy in the second part was one of the features of the opera, and the pair q vcre several times compelDJ tQ rospond to the Caffs of tiie audience. Miss Maud Beatty r made a most fascinating “ Lady Holy- ' rood,” and sang and acted with much y success. Miss A. Pollard had a con- ; genial part as Angela Gilfain, and won the hearts of all present by her fascinat- “ ing ways. Her singing of “ There once was a maiden ” was much appreciated, j the young lady being compelled to re- . spond to an imperative encore which she ° received. Miss Rosie Evesson's per- ■ formaucc as the “ Dart-oh ” was well J! received by all parts of tiie house, and '

.he audience would not be satisfied until

she had been several times brought back on the stage. Mr J. O'Sullivan made the most of the part of Leandro, and the minor characters were ably represented. The staging af the opera, as we previously mentioned, was most effective, and the piece went off without the slightest hitch, the audience being highly delighted. To-night “ Maritana ” will be played, and local theatre-goers will be able to renew their acquaintance with this popular opera. Miss May Beatty will appear as Maritana, and Mr Charles Carter as Don Co sar de Bazan.

Playgoers will be pleased to hear that the Pollard Company have decided to extend their season, and on Saturday it is intended to stage the popular “ Belle of New York.” By special request, the bill for Friday night has been changed from •• The Bohemian Girl ” to “ The Guy Parisienne.’l The box plain for Saturday is now open, and seats should h? secured it once.