AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 216, 18 October 1909, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

THE POPULAR POLLARD SEASON

If any indication were needed locally of the popularity of Pollards Juvenile Opera Company, the fact that they can comfortably fill the Theatre Roval on a Saturday night—the worst of the show nights in Xcw Plymouth, supplies it. On Saturday, when Lecocq's much-laud-ed comic opera "Manola" was staged, there was an audience that filled the floor of the house, while the "circle"' was fairly patronised. Judging by the cordial reception accorded "Manola." Mr. 1 ollard had added to his company's T3pertoire a piece that should prove one of the most popular draws. Lecocq's musical story is drawn from the romantic period of the seventeenth century, during the hey-day of Portugal's prosperity, and the reproduction of t'ie dainty and picturesque costumes of tha period is not the least of the many attractive features of the production, which charmed and interested everyone who could appreciate artistic and effective stage settings-, charming color effects during the picturesque dances, pleasing songs and choruses, and dainty incidental music from a capital orch>itra. Manola" abounds with incidents, and the refined fun created bv Don Calabazar, in the person of Mr. Charles Albert, thoroughly amused the audience. 'He was well assisted in comedy production by Mr. Jack Willis as iablo (servant to Calabazar) and Mr Geo. Edwards in the character of the Captain of the Guard. Staunch favorites were Miss Cissy O'Kecfe as Mieu-->I and Miss Minnie Topping in the tit'e lole. Miss Madelaine Knight, who was making her first appearance in New Plymouth, created a favorable impression The company still includes all the old iavorites, none of whom was move warmly welcomed that Miss Clarice Buckman. The strong chorus was as usual a big feature in the production, and in the second act, "The March of tlie Pages," a thoroughly rehearsed and admirably executed item, earned vociferous applause.

to-night. To-night, the season will be conclud- ™ Wlth the production of Bncalossi'.: celebrated comic opera, "The Black Cloaks," which has been received with conspicuous enthusiasm in the southern cities.