SOLDENE COMIC OPERA.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1230, 12 February 1878, Page 3

SOLDENE COMIC OPERA.

THB GBAUD DUCHESS. Perhaps of all the comic operas with which the public have, during the past twenty years been made familiar, none has been more frequently performed, at least in the colonies, than Offenbach's " Grand Duchess. Ihe performance therefore, last night at the Theatre Royal, did not possess the charm of novelty bo far as the music and general outline of the plot were concerned, but the manner in which the opera was placed upon the stage, and what is understood as the "business," were in many respects not only new but better than any hitherto witnessed. Miss Soldeno claims the title role as one of her original Sarts, and it is no wonder that her renering of it should be characterised by so thorough a knowledge of all the points as sho displays. Her voice last night, especially in the early scenes, was scarcely so Ipowerful as usual, but in the later scenes there was not much weakness noticeable. Her acting was admirable throughout, more especially in the amoroso "Say to him," and her costumes were rich in the extreme. Miss Maggie Liddle had in the part of Wanda a role more congenial to her taste than most of those Bhe has appeared in. She accordingly seemed more at home than usual, and played almost as well as she sang. Mr Campbell's Entz was a very even performance He never forgot his humble origin, and was in good voice. Mr Farley made a good General Boom, though he did not burlesque it so much as some artists do. Mr Marshall and Mr Wallace were quite at home as Baron Puck and Meponuc respectively. Mr Anthony was overweighted in the part of Prince Paul, but sang the music very conscientiously. Ihe Baron Grog of Mr Grundy was highly amusing, and showed how much can bo made of a small part when it is in good hands. Of the wise en scene of this opera, as produced by this company, it would bo difficult to speak too highly. Every detail has been most carefully attended to, and each member of the chorus does the right thing at the right time. The " Grand Duchess "isto be repeated this evening.