OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4223, 2 October 1874, Page 3

OPERA.

THE GRAND DUCHESS OF GEROLSTEIH. This popular opera comique was performed last night for the first time during the present season by the English Opera Company. A full house proved that the excellence with which it was rendered when the company were previously in Wellington had not been forgotten, and certainly the performance last night presented no falling off in the powers of the company. The burden of the piece lies upon the Grand ' Duchess, and Miss May was as thoroughly artistic as she always is in this most amusing impersonation. She sung with all her usual skill and care, and particularly distinguished herself in the exquisite rondo “Say to him.” In this performance she was most warmly encored; and kindly complying with a somewhat unreasonable wish, she fairly “brought down the house.” Mr. Vernon’s Fritz was highly diverting. He thoroughly realised the humor of the character, and the excellence of his acting more than compensated the audience for any lack of vocal power. Miss Lambert’s Wanda is a very good performance. She recognises the simplicity of the part, plays it becomingly, and sings the music set down for her very sweetly. Mr. Baini'ord’s General Boom is always a source of great amusement to an audience. It is burlesque acting without too much exaggeration. As Prince Paul, Mr. Templeton had a difficult part to play. He might, perhaps, have made it a little more eccentric, but his conception of the part was very well sustained, and he lost nothing of his excellent and rising reputation by the performance. As Baron Puck, Mr. Wilkinson was sufficiently amusing. The other members of the company did their share of the work very creditably. The maids of honor sang very nicely in the little solos “Ah ! Letter I treasure,” and were well applauded. “ Lo, here the sabre ” was grandly given by Miss May, and she was well supported by the chorus. The music of the opera offered special opportunity for the efficiency of the orchestra to be made apparent, and it was done full justice to ; the piccolo playing calling for special mention. To-night is announced as a grand fashionable one, when the popular opera “ The Bose of Castile ” will be performed.