Cary's Opera Troupe.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1023, 14 January 1882, Page 3

Cary's Opera Troupe.

This little band of youngsters continues to hold sway over the public patronage and estimation, but still not in a measure commensurate with their excellence. On Thursday and Friday evenings a new bill was p it up, composed of the comic opera of Chilperic, and several introductions of a miscellaneous character, which served the double purpose of varving the programme, and making provision for the discursive tastes of the public. We are bound to say, however, that Chilperic was not such a success as could be wished, although the audience was remarkably indulgent and fairly appreciative. The chief foundation of a successful representation of Chilperic—although, as a production, inferior to “ The Pirates”—rests almost euti rely on the “business” imported into it by the actors and actresses themselves. Children of the ages of Mr Cary’s “ chickens ” cannot yet comprehend the quick repartee, and doable entendre necessary to give point to expression and vitality to wit-—while the wit of a speaker ceases to be wit, if it is anticipated by the superior Intelligence of the hearers. Under these circumstance we think Mr Cary made a mistake in displacing the Pirates to make room for Chilperic, for Thursday’s initial performance of this opera may be let down gently in describing it as a good stage outing for the little folk. It was obvious that they are not sufficiently drilled into even mechanical evolutions, much less are they able to mentally grasp the situation. But, nevertheless, the opera was faithfully gone through, and some of the more prominent members acquitted themselves most creditably. “ Little Lena Robinson ” was cast as “ Chilperic,” King of the Gauls, and she looked and sang her part to such perfection as is possible under the circumstances. This little lady is an established favorite with her audiences, but it would be better for herself, professionally and otherwise, if she did not “ coquette” so much during the performance. We use the word “coquette” in no offensive sense, for we are fully alive to the fact that, as “ little things please little minds,” so is it natural that youthful performers, until they are educated up te an appreciation of the position they occupy with regard to the outside public, will be pre-occupied rather with an appreciation of themselves, than a desire to preserve an individuality with the characters they temporarily assume. Miss Lena Robinson and Master G. Williams occupy the leading role in Mr Cary’s Troupe, and, as such, they must be looked up to by their stage companions as exemplars of what is professionally curreetin stage deportment. We know it is nut possible to put proverbially

young heads on to proverbial old shoulders, therefore we content ourselves with merely drawing attention to what those, less considerate than ourselves, may possibly look upon with disfavour, and, probably, marked disapprobation. Master G. Williams undertook the part of Don Nervoso. and sang “ Ob • bring to me those early flowers,” with infinite zest, for which he was enthusiastically encored. Miss Schierlike as Landry, and Master Willie Cary as Dr. Senna—whose stage business and make-up were immense—were very good indeed, but the other characters do not call for any special remark. A very agreeable liberty was taken with the libretto of Chilperic by the introduction of a step dance by Lena Robinson, and we need only say that she was recalled with signs of warm approval to indicate the relief the audience felt at her performance. Little Lena combines grace of deportment with poetry of movement so effectually as to place her in the first position as a danseuse. Yesterday afternoon a matinee was held for the benefit of schools and families, and the. Pirates of Penzance was a source of gratification to a fair audience.

Last evening Miss Lena Robinson and Master G. Williams took their complimentary benefit, and Chilperic was repeated, with obvious improvement. At the interval. Mr Cary sang the “ Death of Nelson ” magnificently, his powerful high baritone imparting a resonance of expression rarely witnessed, the recitative, most plaintively delivered, taking us back to the days of our youth when Braham was in the zenith of his power, and sang the old song as few others can. Mr Cary also sang the “ Wolf,” to the entire satisfaction of the audience. Captain Isherwood played a violin fantasia, and Mr Cimino a cornet solo, showing a masterly control over their instruments.

To-night, the ever popular “ Pinafore” will conclude Mr Cary’s season in Gisborne. IVe were permitted to be present at the rehearsal of this Opera yesterday morning, and we can only say that the youngsters are remarkably well up in their parts; the music and situations are familiar to them, and a bumper house should be their reward. Lena Robinson will pourtray Josephine; Master G. Williams, Ralph Rae k straw; Buttercup will be taken by Miss Schierlike ; Sir Joseph Porter by Master Wyatt; Captain Corcoran by Master Peterson; the Bo’son by Master Smith ; and, though last and least (in stature) Willie Cary will “do” Dick Deadeye. As a concluding remark we must not omit to notice the conspicuously good stage arrangements, decorations, dresses and scenery,‘ with which each been mounted —Mr Briggs, the scenic artist deserving special commendation for his effee.ivuillustration of the various sc.'ties. The wardrobe of the juveniles, too, was a most noteworthy fea'ure. In this matter Mr Cary has exhibited great taste, and even luxury in order that tawdryness ami tinsel should have no place in his company, the consequence is a more resplendent eftlmn usual.

The musical conduct of the performances was entrusted to Mr Salvatore Cimino, who expressed his opinion that Mr McFarlanes piano was the best, without excel tion. he has met with in the public hall- of the colony. The company leave to-morrow for Auckland, and we wish Mr Cary and his “ chicks ” a most prosperous career.