THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4136, 23 June 1874, Page 3

THE OPERA.

DEE FIIEIBOHUTZ Was performed last night for tho first time. Although the night was one of the worst of a singularly bad series, as regards weather-—the rain falling in torrents, and a strong wind blowing all tho evening—there was a full house. At the close of the performance regret was generally expressed that "Der Freischutz" had not been produced earlier. It proved to be one of the finest performances of tho wholo season. The orchestra was strengthened by the addition of two of tho amateurs of the City, aud the benefit of an additional violoncello and a cornet was most marked. The wholo of the company seemed to bo animated with now spirit; they were very fitly cast in their parts ; the mechanism was excellent; and the result was as perfect a production as we are for a long time likely to see in Wellington. Wo have had occasion to speak so often aud so favorably of tho company that we shall not, on this occasion, individualise their efforts. It ia 1

only necessary to say that as Agatha and Anne respectively Miss May and Miss Lambert renewed their triumphs. Mr. Rainford's Caspar is well known in the other Colonies and in the southern Provinces of New Zealand as a surpassingly good performance, and he was fully equal to himself last night. Mr. Hallam was also very g:od in Max; and Mr. Templeton as Kuno, and Mr. Vernon as Killian, did full justice to their parts. Mr. Levison's Zamiel was also a meritorious representation of a part difficult to render thoroughly effective. Nor must we pass vmnoticed Mr. Lester's Prince. That artist is always careful, and was not less so than usual last night. The incanta.tj.on scene —the great excitement of the opera—■ was wonderfully well managed, ond was received with great and well-deserved applause. Mi'. Willis again received a call for his excellent scenery ; and Mr. Briggs, the machinist—on whom and his "helps" so much depends in the great scene in the Wolf's Glen—was also brought before the curtain. This evening Donizetti's favorite opera, THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT, will be produced, for the only time this season, for the benefit of Miss May. The performances will be under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Eergusson. Miss May deserves a bumper house, and will no doubt receive it.