MR GEORGE STEPHENSON’S ENGLISH MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1358, 19 January 1905, Page 2

MR GEORGE STEPHENSON’S ENGLISH MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY.

" THE ROSE OP THE RIVIERA.” UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS. As was anticipated there was a record an overflowing aucience at His Majesty’s last evening to witness for the first time in Gisborne the performance of the famous and highly successful musical comedy, " The Rose of the Riviera,” by Mr George Stephenson's powerful musical comedy company recently importod from London. “ The Rose of the Riviera ” is considered to be above the average standard of many of the musical comedies which have been presented to the public. Thero is certainly a coherent and entertaining story, and that alone is a merit of no little value. The music throughout is catchy, bright, and tuneful, and does much credit to the composer, Dr E. Osmond Carr, who has become famous and renowned by bis many successful modern musical comedies, notably ”In Town,” and “ His Ex. celloney.” Tbo mounting of the comedy is on a most expensive and elaborate scale, and the extensive wardrobe comprises many costumes of a superbly rich and costly nature. Miss May Beatty is well known a 3 one of the foromost of gaiety actressos of to-day, and we question if thero is a more popular burlesque artist on the Australasian stage. Her charming impersonation of Millie Daventry last evening was a decidedly clover piece of operatic acting, which throughout the evening never failed to charm all present. In the song “ Egypt ” a distinct success was scored. Mr Edward Lauri has galso won for himself an eminont position in the theatrical world, and was entitled to a large share of the honors of the evening. His pourtrayal of the role of Brisket was an artistic triumph. Mr Lauri never loses the opportunity of evoking mirth at the right time. Hiß Baying and dancing were most laughable and enjoyable, and, needless to say, showed the work of a finished artist throughout. The famous Gibson girls are a show in themselves, and ;

their beautiful characteristic ballets were most vociferously encored. Mr Charles McNaughton was eminently successful as Don Pedro Muria, whilst Mr Charles Bevis had a congenial part in the charaoter of Telegraph, an American journalist. Miss Alice Nixon made a charming Miss Hammond, her dancing and singing throughout the performance being specially moritoriorious. Mißs May Garatang played with great success as Mademoiselle Jacquette, whilst the remaining members of the caste did excellent work. A powerful chorus of some fifty voices rendered very effectually the concerted numbers of the piece. Those who enjoy light farce should not miss the opportunity of seeing this capable and strong combination to-night in the “ Skirt Dancer,” which is considered one of the best of the company’s repertoire.

“THE SKIRT DANCER.” To-night the Stephenson Musica, Comedy will stage on the same scale as in the larger centres the sparkling and bright musical comedy, “The Skirt Dancer,” which should , attract another large audience.