THE OPERA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4227, 7 October 1874, Page 3

THE OPERA.

THE LILY OF KILLAKNEY. The performanca of Benedict's channing opera, " The Lily of Kiiiamey," at the Theatre Royal, last night, stamps that work as one of the company's meat completely successful and happy efforts, reflecting the highest credit on their abilities and resources. The scenery alone was worth attendiug to see, and Mr. Willis received a well-merited call for the manner in which he produced it. The whole piece from beginning to end was excellently and appropriately put upon the stage ; the dresses were suitable and elegant ; and the L'eneral eifect everything that could be desired. The work itself is one of the finest Englishoperas that we have ; the plot is extremely romantic, without being at all suggestive of exaggeration, and abounds with touching incidents' of honest Irish affection and devoted constancy of character, agreeably interspersed with the quaint drolleries so natural to and inseparable from associations of the race native to the soil of old Erin. The musie is sweet and soul-stirring, recalling both sad and fond recollections to many, and carrying with it suggestions of the pleasing and sentimental characters almost peculiar to Irish ballads. To all the different characteristics of the opera the 'company individually did full justice, and the only drawback to the whole performance was noticeable in one or two of the choruses, which occasionally approached discordancy. Miss May gave a really beautif id rendering of the part of the simple and true-hearted Irish girl Eily O'Connor, and the audience saw in the part nothing before them but the constant, affecand self-sacrificing wife of Hardress Cregan. The manner in which she sang the touching ballad " I'm alone, I'm alone !" almost defies description, and disarms criticism. There was suchaworld of expression in herattitudeand voice, that the most callous heart could not have withheld sympathy. It is now merely a matter of form, and the sentence might be kept in print, to state that showers of bouquets reward this talented lady's vocal gems, and last night was no exception. Mr. Vernon's " Myles" was one of the finest and most intelligently rendered characters that have ever been placed before the public of this City, and he showed in this part an ability and talent that very few gave him the credit of possessing ; but which now has been impressed . upon everyone present last night in a manner that will not be forgotten. His appearance, expression, and acting were all admirably suited to the character; and the wonderful changes that passed over his features, as different feelings of drollery or emotion were aroused by circumstances, were true to nature. In the water cave scene,—which was splendidly represented—when ■he discovers Eily in the water from Danny's attempt to murder her, his pitiful cry of . " Eily" was most affecting, and his headlong plunge to save her, was well executed, and as he disappeared as naturally as if diving into the water, cheer after cheer echoed through the house, which was repeated in an almost deafening manner as he re-appeared with the rescued Eily_ in his arms. At the close of the scene, Miss May, Mr. Templeton,"and Mr. Vernon, who made it such a success, were all recalled. Seeing Mr. Vernon so frequently in light parts, one quietly dropped into the conclusion that he was only suited to such, and the naturally clever manner in which he played them helped to favor the idea ; but his performance of last night most _ effectually and agreeably dispelled the impression. He sang "Sleep gently, my Eily," in the last act, very nicely indeed, with much expression and sweetness, and received a well-deserved encore. In the part of Myle3, Mr. Vernon has made a decided hit, and it is to be hoped that he will again be afforded an opportunity of so faithfully pourtraying the character. In addition to the desire to see a promising artist have assistance and opportunity, the attraction of this very pretty opera would cause its repetition to be most cordially welcomed. Mr. Hallam was in excellent voice, sang very sweetly, and was loudly applauded throughout the evening. In the song, "Eily Mavourneen," he was particularly successful; and waa obliged to repeat it for the satisfaction of the audience, from whom he received quite an armful of bouquets. Miss Lambert was, as ■usual, pleasant, but the music of the part she played did not suit her voice, consequently she had not an opportunity of doing more than sing carefully, which she did. The part of Danny Mann is one not well suited to Mr. Templeton, or altogether calculated to show him to-advantage, though he played it Carefully, and sang well. Mr. Rainford gave a quiet and suitable representation of Father Tom, and secured an encore in the song " Thus Goes the World Around," which it was a great treat to hear him sing. The other characters were satisfactorily played, and Miss Harris' make up and bye-play in the small part of "Sheelah" were capital, and created much amusement.

To-night, Weber's grand spectacular opera "Der Erieschutz" will be repeated.