THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4220, 29 September 1874, Page 3

THE OPERA.

FAUST. Notwithstanding the great attraction offered by the company in Gounod’s grand production at the Theatre last night, the general impression in the early part of the evening was, that, owing to the prevailing weather, which simply baffles description, there would be a very poor house, and as each person or party, thinking themselves singular, entered the building, they were quite surprised to see everybody else there. The house was a capital one, the lower parts being crowded, and all the good seats in the dress-circle occupied. For the night the attendance was astonishing. In placing the opera of “Faust” upon the stage the company undertook a very heavy responsibility, and to say that they carried out the undertaking to the entire satisfaction of the public, and, considering the means at their command, with credit to themselves, pronounces them as possessed of most praiseworthy energy and considerable ability. The piece was well put on, and the scenery good, particularly the garden scene, which deserves special mention. The opera itself, in representation, was rather heavy, and showed all through a want of preparation and sufficient rehearsal of the music; this is uot at all surprising, for, with playing a fresh opera every night the members of the company could not do themselves justice by a sufficient study of so heavy a piece ; still, although it is a little beyond them, chiefly through the want of time in preparing, the performance last night, taking all the surrounding circumstances into consideration, reflects infinite credit on those who undertook it. As Marguerite, Miss Slay gave ample proof that her scope of ability is very wide. Two more opposite characters than Martha and Marguerite can scarcely be imagined, and yet it would be hard to say in which Miss Hay’s acting appears to greatest advantage. The quiet, despondent, and touching grief of the unhappy girl was most admirably rendered in every look and action. Her deep despair when cursed by her brother Vilentine for her shame, and, in the last act, her quiet but intense joy in the presence of Faust on his visit to her prison cell all displayed a grand conception of the character. Mr, Hallam, as usual, acted well, and dressed very nicely, but he was not in good voice, and the difference from its excellence on previous nights was very noticeable. His transformation from the worn-out student to the handsome youth was very cleverly and neatly effected. As Valentine, Mr. Templeton was, in the first two acts, inclined to be disappointing ; but in the scene where, after learning his sister’s fall, he confronts Faust and Mephistopheles, his acting improved wonderfully, and in hi* final scene, when dying, he curses the unfortunate Marguerite, his acting approached grandeur, and he not only equalled, but.surpassed, the expectations which had been formed of the representation. He fairly brought down the house, and received a well deserved call before the curtain- Mr. Kainford’s rendering of Mephistopheles was characterised by his depending solely on tho use of his really fine voice, and a reluctance to act. There Is a sameness about all his actions in every character, which a man of his intelligence could, if he tried, avoid, and replace with vigor and expression. Somehow, one always sees Mr. Kainford; not the character lie is representing. However, it is never too late to mend, and if Mr. Kainford will only give the matter his attention and study, there is no doubt he will effect a very great improvement. His voice is too valuable au acquisition to have its effect marred by the want of a little care in acting. Miss Lambert played and sang what little occurred in her part in her usual pleasing and careful manner. The duets between Miss May aud Mr. Hallam went very well, particularly in the last act, and that lady’s solos were given with lier accustomed excellence. Should the company determine to again produce Faust, which it is to be hoped they will, the practice of last night will place the artists on better terms with the music, and it will undoubtedly prove even a greater success than last night. “Fra Diavolo” will be played to-night, when it is to be hoped—though the hope seems vain—that tho weather will be more favorable than has been the case since the opening night, as during the interval the company have had great opposition on that score to contend against.