THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE COMPANY.

Kumara Times, Issue 1622, 8 December 1881, Page 3

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE COMPANY.

The Pirates of Penzance Company j)pen to-morrow night at the Adelphi .Theatre With the opera of that name. This company, which is by the way the largest and best that has ever visited the West Coast, received the following 'criticism from the Grey River Argus : This Of whom we have heard so much of through our contemporaries, north and south, made their first appearance in preymouth last night to a crowded house, but not commensurate with the Sterling ability of the company or the genuine merits of this truly grand satire on grand opera from the joint genius of Gilbert and Sullivan. The opera abounds jn witticisms of the most pungent character. The music is sparkling in the extreme, at times there is a solemnity, a Solidity of harmony which reminds you very much of the grand old sacred music of Handel, Mozart, and other great composers of never dying fame. Of the inanner in which the opera was produced, ive can only speak in the most unqualified terms of praise, every member of the company exerting themselves to their utmost to secure a grand success. Of Miss Leaf, as Mabel, we must first speak. Since we last had the pleasure of listening to her She has improved wonderfully. Her voice is fuller and of greater range, her acting piquant and full of graceful posturing. Her rendering of the florid aria “Poor wandering me” was the gem of the opera, and elicited a most undeniable encore. Signor Morley, as Frederic, was in capital Voice. This gentleman has already won a well earned reputation as a musician and vocalist of the highest order, and he still holds that quality unimpaired. But for the chorus having of necessity to interrupt his solo, “Is there not a Maiden,” he would certainly have had to repeat the humber; but the way in which he acquitted himself all through the opera leaves us no room for particularising. We can only say no such artist has, in his line, been on the Coast in our recollection. Miss Amy Johns, an old Grey mouth favorite, surprised us in the role of Ruth. Her voice has matured, her enunciation perfected, and her acting is all that could be desired. Her make up was also excellent. Mr J. S. Porter, as the pirate King, was very pleasing. He has a gi-alid baritone bf good timbre and coilsiderable compass, and his acting is natural. Mr Lissant, as Samuel, though .only a minor part, made the most of it, and showed how much can be done with small things if only earnestly and conscientiously attended to. Mr Barry O’Neil, as the Major-General Stanley, was everything that could be desired. His appearance, and his easy graceful manner at once earned the good opinion bf the andiefice, His, patter song was given clearly and distinctly. Mr Mack D. Alexander, another old favorite on the Coast, was thoroughly at home as the Sergeant ef Police, his massive bass voice being of valuable service in chorus, while his acting was natural and not overdone. Mr Wilkinson created great amusement as jborporal B 4—<-Wilkinson is always funny. The choruses are very good, and the voices of unexceptional musical quality. The dresses and scenery were of the most Eicturesque description ; the tout ensemble eing perfect. The orchestra, though small, is very, gdod, Mr Allpress, as violinist, is df himself a host; Mr Scott, steady and reliable pianist. To Mr Wolf, R.A.M., much of the praise of this production is due • he had chorus and Orchestra well in hand, arid to our mind fully deserves the degree he holds. The usual prices admit to this grand entertainment; but family packets of siS tickets for dress circle can be obtained at a reduction. We are requested also to state that hb Soori as the retu.-ns of the Parliamentary election from Stafford and Goldsborough are in, the managers have arranged that they shall be announced frond the stage of the Adelphi Theatre; so that the correct totals inay bes heart! at the earliest possible tnoment.