POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 405, 2 May 1902, Page 2

POLLARD’S OPERA COMPANY

OPENING OF THE SEASON.

At the Theatre Royal last night the ever-popular Pollards commenced their Gisborne season of live nights. The weather was damp and unpleasant for opera-going, and the country people desiring to attend had very bad roads to travel over, but there was nevertheless a house crowded to the doors, and as is always the case when the Pollards are the entertainers, there was- a most delighted audience, which showed appreciation of the singing and acting in ■the most hearty manner. The piece put on last night was the charming ! musical comedy “ Florodora.” The plot of this piece is now fairly well known to Gisborne audiences, and the development of the play is done in the best style of the Pollards. In addition to the favorites of old standing in the Company, Gisborne people had last night the pleasure of seeing and hearing new performers of remarkable ability. The leading part of “ Dolores ” was taken by Miss Connie Buttel, who proved a great success. Dolores, our readers will know, was the favorite farm girl on the Island of Florodora. The general opinion of theatre-goers is that Miss Connie Buttel is quite equal to her excellent predecessors in the Company in the taking of this part, and some give her a most decided preference. Pier singing was delightful, and her acting was* most graceful. The young lady has a full and clear voice, with a fine range, and her stage presence is charming. In no part of the piece did she give any room for adverse criticism, and the management is to be congratulated on the great success achieved by the young artist, who, though new to a Gisborne audience, fairly won their hearts by the brilliant manner in which she played the part of Dolores. In her duets with Mr O’Connor she was heard to great advantage. 'l'he solo “ His One and Only Love ” was by many considered to be the gem of her songs, but all were really good. The success of Miss Buttel is the more marked for the reason that she had to take up the part at short notice, and that last night was her first appearance as Dolores- It was a great trii mph, and we are confident that the young’ lady will soon be occupying a foremost place in operatic circles. The part of the dashing young widow, Lady Holyrood, was taken by Miss Alice Edgar, who acted the part with much dash, and made a most fascinating widow. Her best song is “ Tact,” As Frank Abercoed, Mr D. O’Connor was as popular as ever, It is always a treat to hear that gentleman sing, and his part last night was most naturally acted. In it he was perhaps seen and heard at his best, and that is saying a great deal, referring as it does to one who makes a distinct success in every part that he takes up. The solo winch was the most popular was that of the touching parting scene, “In the Shade of the Palm,” for which a double encore had to be given. The scene was intensified by" the way in which Miss Buttel pourtrayed the feelings of Dolores on being severed from her lover, Miss Alice Pollard took the part of Gilfain's daughter, and a most admir able representation that talented young lady gave it. Her voice has a sweetness and depth of expression that instal her as a great, favorite. “ The Fellow Who Did, was amongst the best of her vocal efforts, and the excellence of her singing was assisted by her dainty ways in the making of a most favorable impression on the audience. Mr Carter, an old favorite, had the part of Captain Donegal, the brother of Lady Holyrood. His singing was, as usual, a strong feature, ana was warmly encored. Mr Quealy as Cyrus Gilfain had a character that he was able to sustain most effectively. His acting, singing, and dancing were all good. The inimitable Mr W. Percy was to the front as in days of yore.. He has only to look at the audience to send them into roars of laughter. He is a marvel of agility, and ms fun and comicalities are backed up by a clever ness that is astonishing. Last mgiu, in the character of. Tweed ® pu P phrenologist, hypnotist, e tC', the audience into uncontrollable fits of mirth. Towards the end he took part with Miss Rosie Evesson m a ™" der : ful dance. The pair were re-caUed time after time, and eventually had to refuse to respond iurther than byway of acknowledgment. All the parts were well taken, and the audience were delighted. The dances were very pretty and graceful. To-night the “ Rose of Persia will be staged for the first time in Gisborne. ' That brilliant play has been a great success, and should draw a crowded house to-night. Miss Connie Buttel will take the part of “ The Sultana Zubevdeh.” To-morrow afternoon there will be a matinee performance