"THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE" OPERA COMPANY.

Kumara Times, Issue 1626, 13 December 1881, Page 2

"THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE" OPERA COMPANY.

Last night this company produced for the first time Planquett's opera " Lea Cloches de Corneville," the plot of which we gave a brief sketch in our last night's issue. We can thoroughly endorse the encomiums passed by our con temporaries on the manner of its interpretation and style t>f ] reduction. The dresses are ol the most beautiful description, ami the scenery (considering the very limited appliances) excellent. As Jean Grenchetix, Signor Morley scored a great success; th= part is thoroughly suited to him, and, being in good voice, his rendering was a genuine treat. Mr J. S. Porter, as the Marqtiid de Cotneville, was e?ery-

thing that could be desired ; his rondo, ) " With joy my heart," received an enthusiastic encore. Mr Wilkinson gave a well-defined picture of the old miser Gaspard, make-up and acting being alike excellent. Mr Mack Alexannder, although evidently suffering from a severe cold, gave a capital rendering of the Bailiie. Mr Barry O'Neil was very amusing as Gobo, and his pfforfcs were ably seconded by Mr A. Lissant as Grippardine. The role of Serpolette seems to suit Miss Leaf in every way, and she fairly revels in the' coquettish village maiden; and the airs she pnt on when she fancies herself a viscountess are well carried out; her singing, as it always is, was most pleasing. Miss Amy Johns afforded Us a most agreeable surprise. The improvement in this young lady is very marked ; her rendering of the music of Germaine, both in solos and contested pieces, are worthy of the highest commendation. Miss Lena Wyatt was creditable as Gertrude. The choruses are of a grand nature—now sparkling and effervescing, now solid and full of harmony. The manner in which they were sang by the ladies and gentlemen deserves no unstinted praise, and proves how careful and painstaking must Mr Wolf have been in bringing them to such a degree of excellence. To-night this opera will be repeated, and as it is positively tlie last night of this compmy, we would advise our readers to brave the stormy weather, and go and see the grandest production ever witnessed on the Coast.