AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8064, 21 March 1906, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

"A MOORISH MAID." It is „afo to say thai everybody present at the New Plymouth Opera House last evening was fully sutislied I with the iiorlnrinniiro of the Now Zealaiid conceived comic ooera. "A I Moorish Mind." He or ,);e indeed | could hardly have boon otherwise. jThe perl'oriniince was a huge success and a marked musical treat. "The bi'-l opera I've ever seen in New Ply'mouth," exclaimei 1 one enthusiastic admirer, as he passed out of the building, at the conclusion of the performance; and there will be found many who will share the opinion. The piece, lends itself to great spectacular effect, is clothed in exquisite music, abounds in high-class vocal numbers, has a big leaven of humor, and, generally, appeals to all sections of an audience. The composer, Mr Alfred Hill, is to he congratulated on producing so remarkable a musical effort and one which compares favorably with the productions of the world's phy-wrighls The company did full justice to the piece, in the acting, in the staging and in the singing. The audience at times seemed to be spell-bound by the superb elf eels produced and the beautiful singing, demonstrating their approval I in a manner most enthi'sinstic. The orchestra, under the baton of Ihe composer, were all finished musicians, their overtures being particularly line, as was their playing in the' vocal solos. The libretto, from the pen of Mr J. Youlin Birch, of Wellington, was of a high order of merit; whilst som.' of the local hits introduced by Ihe Bovis Bros, in their comedy sketches, elicited salvos of apnhiusc. The leading lady was Miss iiosina Biiokmnnn, who interpreted the part of " La Zara," a ehicflainoss of a band of brigands. Her fiiine as a singer had proceeded her. and her appearance was awaited with keen interest. The realisation was every bit ns good as the anticipation. Her singing was a treat to hear, particularly in the dramatic solo, "O'er the Mountains." This young lady should have a very successful operatic career. Miss May Gorstane was as successful as she was bright in her role as "■Menu." Her solo. "In a White-walled Moorish City," found considerable favor. The ever-popular May Bent tie did excellent work in the purl of "May," whilst Miss Mabel Morgan made a charming and dignilied Princess, her duel with the Prince being one of the gems of the evening. Mr Edward Laiiri. as ■"' GasIro," supplied llie comedy,' which he did in a rare manner, creating intense amusement. Mr Leslie Hill, as ■■ Prince Oniar," sang with capital olivet. Jn his solo, "' ll is ninrii in my heart," he showed the inagniHeonl quality of his line tenor voieo. Mr Harold Hooves, as "Elferino," was also very successful, whilst all the other parts were sustained with credit. All the choruses were pretty, bright and effective, particularly the liunio, ■• A Parting Mona," which rose to the standard of grand opera. THE DANDY DOCTOR. The above play will form the farewell bill to-night.' This piece abounds in fun. Tho funny situations brought about during the action of Hie play cause roar after roar of laughter. Nothing is said to be funnier than Hie explosion scene in llie second act, and the strong man's act. Lovers of good singing will be pleased, as the Dandy Doctor is full of pretty songs and airs. The scenery and dressing will be in Mr Stevenson's usual first class style, the third act being one blaze of colour. None should miss 10-nights performance, as" The Dandy Doctor" is cer : lainly worth seeing.