AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 217, 19 October 1909, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE BLACK CLOAKS." Pollard's Juvenile Opera Company had a fair house at the Theatre Royal last night, when the tuneful comic opera, "The Black Cloaks," was produced. It was a pretty little piece, well dressed, full of music, and with some capital vocal solo and chorus work, but the orchestra was rather thin. Miss Minnie Topping had a very full part as "Girola," and in that part was given excellent opportunity for displaying her undoubted singing abilities. Miss Cissie OTCeefe, as Don Luis de Rosamonte, furnished the best songs of tie evening, "Hush me to Dreams" being exceptionally good. This young lady, however, is not as successful in the rest of Jut work. Master Bert Nicholson, as Gomez the Miller, was the fun-provoker, together with Mr. Charles Albert as Don j Philip of Dragon, the Queen's Consort. The former's part was a little overdone, and the "twang" grew tiresome. Don Jose de Manila, the Grand Chamberlain, was impersonated by Mr. Jack Willis, and he figured extensively and well :n his royal patron's little indiscretions, causing hilarious laughter in the midnight scene at the mill. Dancing was i scant. The scenery in the last act was very pretty, but the firsftwo act were laid in unfpetentious surroundings. Ae a comic opera, however, the piece amply fulfilled its object, presenting a puzzling tale, bountiful humor, catchy and popular music, and pretty dresses. The company left by tne Rarawa for Auckland after the performance.