H.M.S. PINAFORE.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1130, 27 December 1883, Page 2

H.M.S. PINAFORE.

The well worn opera of “ Pinafore ” was given by the Harmonic Society last evening at the Tlannonin Hall. The building was about half full, the audience being select and appreciative. Considerable improvement was noticeable, compared will) the first production of Pinafore by the Society, and altogether the performance last night was an enjoyable one. There were one or two changes in the cast, Ralph being taken by Mr Rose, and Hebe by Miss Black. The other parts were sustained by the same ladies and gentlemen as before: —Josephine, Miss Hirst j Buttercup, Miss Sparkos ; Captain, Mr G. D. Hamerton; Admiral, Mr E. C. Horner; Deadcye, Mr Weiss; Boatswain, Mr Taplin. Josephine was tastefully dressed and looked handsome enough to turn the head of any British tar. Her voice is sweet hut she is heard to best advantage in a dnet or trio, nervousness apparently preventing her from doing justice to herself when pinging alone. Confidence will, of course, come with experience. The young Indy’s histrionic abilities are not on a pnr with her vocal powers and the result is somewhat disappointing. We would recommend the study of a little more stage “style” and “ business. As Buttercup Miss Sparkes sustained the favourable impression she made here before. Her voice is even in quality and well under command, and she sang throughout with taste and expression. Daring the interval Miss Bparkos also tavoured the audience with a song, charmingly given .and unanimously encored. As Hobo, Miss Black acquitted herself well, bearing in mind her inexperience of operatic performances, Mr Bose ns Ralph sang and acted uncommonly well. His voice is not very powerful, but he uses it well, and ns he sings correctly, the listener obtains pleasure from hearing him ; his acting, too, was not at all bad. The part of the Admiral was taken by Mr Horner. His rendition was more subdued than it was previously, which is an improvement. There is still room to dispense with a little boisleronsness. Mr Horner’s fine voice was, of course, heard to advantage in the music of his part. As the Captain Mr Hamerton did the best he could, and that is saying a good deal. But the music suffers through being unsuitable to his voice, which is rather light for it. Deadeye loft us little to find fault with, and the same may be said of the Boatswain. The chorus was a bit shaky, and at times out, so was the piano, in fact better music is much wanted to aid in the production of an opera. It seems a pity that the Society cannot obtain the service nf a small band, as there is no doubt that the concerts would then be more attractive.

Wo had almost omitted to mention that Mr Tennant conducted, as usual, and that some new scenery had been painted by Mr Clark, artist, who is staying here at present.