AMUSEMENTS.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 727, 18 October 1876, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

CANTERBURY MUSIC HALL. “Transported for Life” was repeated last night at the above Hall to another crowded house. The piece has now thorougly established itself as a great favorite with playgoers, and bids fair to have a long and prosperous run, as indeed it well deserves. Throughout the whole of its performance there is nothing wanting to keep up the interest and excitement pertaining to the plot, whilst the scenery and mechanical effects are truly astonishing, and show what can be done on a stage of limited dimensions under proper supervision and tact. As the hero and heroine of the piece, Mr and Mrs Darrell were exceedingly good, whilst Misses Nye and Navaro are most pleasing and happy in their enactment of their respective parts, Messrs Cary, Stoneham, Herberte, Hill, and Alexander played with great care and attention throughout, avoiding any tendency to over-act or obscure the intentions of the author. The same programme will be presented this evening. SIMONbEN’S OPERA COMPANY. “ Faust ” was produced last eveniug by this company, and wc arc sorry to have to record a small audience. Those, however, who were present, thoroughly enjoyed the performance, and were most appreciative. In producing the opera at the Oddfellows’ Hall, the company laboured under very many disadvantages, from want of stage room and appliances to put it on the stage efficiently. But while saying this we must give them credit for the way in which these difficulties were surmounted. The opera itself is an exceedingly difficult one to sing ; the music mainly consisting of heavy parts with only here and there interspersed melodies. Madame Simonsen as Marguerite both acted and sang excellently throughout-, Her opening aria li Once in Thule ” was capitally rendered The music was skilfully interpreted, and in the portion of it where she discovers the casket, her acting was very good. The cele orated jewel song was sung most artistically, eliciting loud plaudits, which wenwell deserved. The sam e may be said of the spinning wheel song. In the scene with Valentine after the duel, Madame Simonsen acted with much power, and the beautiful

scene in which she recalls her first meeting n the garden, was very well given. lathe concluding air “ Holy angels,” Madame Simonsen sang with great pathos and success, and the applause which greeted it showed how much it was appreciated. Miss Lambert made a very good Siebel. There is not a great deal in the part, but she sang the opening aria in the third act, “ Gently whisper,” well. The part of Faust is a very exacting one without showing much for it. Signor Morley in this character acquitted himself very creditably, singing the music throughout with care. He was especially good in the garden scene. Mr Barrington was fairly successful as Mephistopheles, although his voice is hardly strong enough for the part. His best effort was the “ Calf of gold,” which was well sung. Mr Hodgson deserves credit for his singing in the part of Valentine, especially in the dying scene which was excellent. The choruses, particularly that of the soldiers and the waltz, were well sung, being both well in time and tune. We must not omit to mention the concerted musie, which was excellently sung by the principals. Tonight “ Masaniello” will be produced, and on Thursday Madame Simonsen takes her benefit. On this latter occasion we hope to see a crowded house. During the present season she has gallantly sung under many difficulties, and the depressing influence of small audiences, and we hope to see her undoubted talent recognised. On Friday the orchestra take their benefit, for which an admirable programme, comprising concert and opera, will be given. In addition to the members of the company, Herr Schott will play an oboe solo, and the performance will conclude with “ Lucrezia Borgia,” in which Madame Simonsen, Miss Lambert, Signor Morley, and the company will appear. During both seasons the orchestra has rendered such service in the production of the operas that a recognition is due to them.