SOLDENE COMIC OPERA.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1221, 1 February 1878, Page 3

SOLDENE COMIC OPERA.

“ Madame L’AECniDUC.” The opera of “ Madame L’Archiduc,” which was produced last night at the Theatre Royal for the first time in Christchurch, must be considered one of the most successful, if not the most successful, of the performances of the Soldene Comic Opera Company. The music is decidedly light, and principally remarkably for melody, the harmonies being confined for the most part to the instruments. The object of Offenbach appears to have been to write an original opera, and ho has succeeded. Each air appears to be new, and to that extent at least is meritorious. As may be supposed, in a work comprising three acts, the airs are numerous and difficult, therefore, to form an opinion upon, other than a general one. Speaking generally the in “Madame L’Archiduc” are _ very pleasing, and last night were certainly very well introduced to the audience by the several members of the company to whom they were entrusted. The plot turns upon the assumption temporarily, by a newly-wedded pair occupying a lowly station, of the dignity of Count and Countess, in order to save from threatened danger those whose dignity they are compelled to assume. The false position thus taken brings the couple under the notice of an Archduke, whose one idea is to be original, and whose originality leads him to abdicate in favor of the supposed Countess, he being smitten at first sight with her charms. Hence the title “Madame L’Archiduc.” Miss Soldene in the title role was |extremely happy, throwing her whole self into it, and fairly revelling in the fun of the situation. Her singing and acting were equally excellent. Mr Campbell, her husband, had not so much to do, but did what he had to do very well, _ The Archduke of Mr Marshall was an admirable piece of burlesque acting. Miss Le Pevre, who in the important part of an officer, Fortunate, had much to do, displayed considerable histrionic ability, and sang with success. Mr Farley and Miss Mattie Daniel had small parts, as the genuine Count and Countess, but the performance made the audience wish they had more to do. The dresses were very rich, and the manner in which the chorus sustained their business was as near perfection as could be hoped for. The opera will certainly be a favorite here. It is to be repeated to-night, and in addition “ Trial by Jury” will be performed.