SOLDENE COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1225, 6 February 1878, Page 2

SOLDENE COMIC OPERA COMPANY.

“La Fiixe de Madame Akgot.” The attractiveness of the above-named opera was shown last night by the crowded attendance at the Theatre Royal, and, judging by the way it was played and sung, its attractions are felt equally behind the curtain as before it. From first to last, there was an amount of spirit displayed by the company which, if it has been equalled on any previous night, has certainly not been surpassed. The orchestra too played con amove, and no wonder, for the composer has given to each instrument some delicious morceaux. Not to go beyond the overture, there are the passages for the flute and for the violin, and the final rattle of the drums, all, by the way, excellently played last night. Whilst mentioning the orchestra, the pianist and cornet player should have their full share of praise; both are evidently thorough musicians and masters of their respective instruments. Of the vocalists, Miss Soldene was facile priveeps. Her energetic acting and singing as Clairette were beyond praise, whilst her style was varied in accordance with the exigencies of the piece in a truly artistic manner. Her singing of “ I am your child ” was just what it ought to be, simple and unpretending, and in marked contrast to that of “ The sedition rondo ” and the “ Angot ” song. This last was so enjoyed by (bo audience that one encore would not satisfy them. Miss Liddle was Mdlle. Lang--, and for the first time in the season did her voice something like justice. Its rich, full tones were produced with a» ease which is

almost provoking where everyone appears to be exerting him or herself to the utmost. The “Schoolfellows ” duet with Mies Soldene was charmingly in time, and had to be repeated. Her acting was decidedly lively, though not of the voluptuous character that is indulged in by some who take the character. Mr Campbell, as Ange Pitou, sang very nicely ; ho was in excellent voice. Mr Farley was Larivaudiere, and played well. Mr Anthony was Pomponnet. This gentleman’s voice is somewhat hard, but he sings with spirit and in tune. Trenitz was played by Mr Wallace with admirable absurdity. His introduction of the ladies, in the second act, and his leading of the “conspirators’ chorus” were specially good. Mr Marshall, [as Louchard, made the most of his opportunities, which, however, are not great. Miss Mattie Daniel, aa Amaranthe, sang the solo of “ Madame Argot ” with great vivacity, and was encored for it. Miss Barber and Miss St. George contributed not a lit! le to the effectiveness of the dances. At the commencement of the third act Miss Slater danced a pas seul in a manner which proved her to be a ballet dancer of considerable merit, and not merely what is expressively, though, perhaps, somewhat slangishly called a “kickist.” Her performance had to be repeated. At the encl of the first act the curtain had to be raised in order to allow the spectators another view of the final tableau, and after the second act the principal artists received the compliment of a call before the curtain. “La Fille de Madame Angot ” is to be repeated to-night, and to-morrow evening “ Barbe Bleue ” is to be produced for the first time.