“ PAUL JONES.”

Hokitika Guardian, 28 September 1918, Page 1

“ PAUL JONES.”

BY LOCAL AMATEURS

Next Wednesday will witness the first performance by the Hokitika amateurs of Planquette’s famous 3-act comic opera “Paul Jones.” This favorite opera with its tuneful music and clever comedy lias held supreme sway for many years in the comic opera world. It was the performance of “Paul Jones” 1-hat marked the departure from the chrysalis stage of the clever Pollards opera company and heralded its entry into the ranks of a full fledged opera company. The opera nnlike most productions does not get weaker in interest as it goes on. Although equal to the best of operas the first act is the weakest of the three. The second act has much stronger attraction, and in the 3rd act with the advent of a new character. “ Don Trocadero ” entering the cast, the fun, spectacle and ballets are equal to anything seen on the stage. Every attention to detail and dressing will be given by Mr Tom Pollard who is bringing his own orchestra under the leadership of Mr R. Cullen, from Grey month. Mr Fred Resteaux will wield the conductor’s baton and the electric light will be under the control of Mr Pollard’s son, T. Pollard junr. Seats for the season of three nights are filling rapidly and a word of advice to those who wish to secure »good seat is to reserve at once at Mrs Browne’s. The popular prices of 3/, 2/ and 1/ plus war tax will be admission prices and no extra charge will be made for reserving the 3/ seats. The story of the play tells of the love of two voting clerks (Paul Jones and Rufino) in the shipping office of Bicoquet, for his niece Yvonne. The girl favors the suit of Paul, but her uncle objects, yet under pressure agrees to consent to the marriage if Paul returns within three years 'with one million francs. A French commander sailing under a French letter of marque, arrives on the scene looking for recruits. Paul signs on the Privateer and accompanied by his two smuggling pals Chopin et-t.e s husband (Bonillabase), Petti. Piene (the Insect) and the fishermen leave on a cruise as the first act concludes. The second act opens with a party of friends serenading Rufino who is now a Captain in the Spanish Navy. Three years have elapsed and Paul Jones has been reported dead. Yvonne by chance reads that the report of Paul’s death is erroneous and that his vessel did not founder in the Gulf of Mexico. Yvonne is being forced into a contract of marriage with Rufino, but to Hie surprise of all Paul Jones comes on tlie scene with the necessary million francs. The uncle is forced to keep his promise but Paul is led into a trap and is carried off a prisoner on the ship that carries Rufino, Yvonne and Bicoquet to visit Don Trocadero, the Governor of Estrella-, llio tiiiid act opens with the airival ot the visitors at the court of Don Trocadero. Paul escapes from the ship and finding Bonillabase and Petti Pierre at the court disguised as two Indian chiefs, having left the frigate in charge of the crew, he sends Petti Pierre for his men and on their arrival he attacks Don Trocadero and recaptures his affianced bride.