THE DOCTOR OF ALCANTARA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2096, 10 December 1879, Page 2

THE DOCTOR OF ALCANTARA.

The Theatre Loyal presented an animated appearance last evening when Mr D’Orsay Ogden’s Opera Company made their first appearance. The audience came fully prepared for an evening’s enjoyment, and taken as a whole, it was evident by their manifestations of approval that they were not disappointed. The scenery was appropriate and nicely arranged, the singing was good and the performance passed off with spirit and without any of those hitches incidental to “first appearances.” The plot of the opera was published in our issue of Nov. 29, so we need not do more than refer to the representations of the characters given by the principals. Miss Beatrice, who has but recently added opera bouffe to her repoilotrc. was decidedly successful in the part of Inez, Her acting was of course perfect, while her vocalisation was at once both a surprise and a pleasure to her hearers. Mrs Florence was hardly less successful in her impersonation of Donna Lucrczia. She threw an unusual amount of energy into her acting and her voice was heard toadvantage throughout the piece. Miss Jenny Thorne took: the part of Isabella, Donna Lucrezia’s daughter. Her performance, although meritorious in some respects, was marred by the invariable faults which accompany a beginner and which experience alone can overcome. Miss Thorne will improve and as she is the possessor of a powerful voice, she will probably occupy a more prominent position on a future occasion. The Don Carlos of Mr Florence was a splendid piece of vocalisation. His rich, ringing tenor was in capital order, and he gave the music of his part with a freshness and vigor which greatly pleased those present. His rendition of the introduced ballad, “ Still I Love Thee,” was extrcmcly tasteful and was deservedly encored. The part of the Doctor was sustain* ed by Mr Alexander, and met with fair justice at his hands. Mr J. W. Marshall added to his reputation by doing well what little he had to do. His vo'cc retains all the richness and power displayed on former occasions. The minor characters were well tilled, and tended to enhance the success of the principals. The “ Doctor of Alcantra” must be classed as a bright and amusing trifle, and one which is well worth seeing. Mr H. F. Towle ably presided at the piano, and it is almost needless to say, rendered the music as well as was possible on the instrument. “ Pinafore” is announced for this evening, the part of “ Little Buttercup,” being assigned to Miss Beatrice in whoso hands, we are convinced, it will meet with ample justice.