AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 324, 25 February 1910, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

"MISS HOOK OF HOLLAND." Not for r some considerable time has anything more quaint, more dainty, more mirthful and musical, yet with.il wholesome, wen presented to thearegoers than the delightfully captivating "Miss Hook of Holland" musical comedy, witli whicn Pollard's Opera Company opened its siiort season at the Theatre Royal last night. "Miss llook" has captivated theatre-goers the world over, and one is not surprised that her reign of popularity h-as not yet reached its zenith. Set in the freshly wholesome surorundings of the Netherlands, even the prosaic associations of cheese and schnapps have been musically ami romantically immortalised. The story is a pleasant one, wherein the course of innocent pleasure is never for a moment obscured hv the intrusion of dissension or discord. It is easy 10 understand why such a happily 'conceived musical tit-bit, prettily-dressed and choicely mounted, presented in alt the exuberance of youtn, with situations, ranging from sublime to ridimlous, pursuing one another in miscellany across the footlights, has earned plaudits everywhere. Last night's audi?iH'e_(inanimously voted "Miss Hook" the best in light musical comedy }■>( produced *>y the .Pollard management, and if the remainder of the new repertoire oilers as nappy a blending of folly with seriousness as does the young ladyfiom the Jand of dykes and windmills, the combination has without doubt emerged from the juvenile stage and attained its full majority. The title rol e was sustained by ' Miss Clarice Bueknisin, and though the young lady was asked to face the ordeal of a critical audience of her townspeople, she acquitted herself with distinct'credit. Miss Buckman has made big strides in lier adopted profession, and combines. \vrth her musical capabilities a vivaciousncss that is not obtrusive, and ainanncr tiffin is not unnatural. J|is« May Topping, Mi*? Edith Collins and" Miss Ida Lacey present cliaracteristicaibright parts with captiating charm, .-'essential coniedv vein is suppled m abundance by Mr. Jack Willis as Mr, ook ami Mr. Charles Albert as Simon ' links. These popular comedians, in widely dissimilar roles, invest their characters with humor irresistible. Mr Wilfred Hilary, the new baritone, «ari' a quiet portrayal of Bandmaster Von vurgt, and is an acquisition to the company. Mr. A. S. McKay, in thecharacter of an old policeman, had not. over many opportunities, but was happil\ placed. .Miss Cissie O'Kecfe, as Captain Adrian Paap, was as boisterous as of yore, and a dashing soldier. Amongst the best of manv excellentnumbers were the " Cheese Chorus." by the full strength of the company; ."Dottles," ft, well-balanced chorus ,£ male voices (unaccompanied), mr." "House of Hook." a concerted numlvr Miss Buckman and Mr. Hilary werfv associated in a captivating duet, ''Tin:Sleeny Canal." "Slinks," Mr. Clias. Albert, with his companay of lazy loafers, in "Who Invented Work" and oth»r comedy items was "at home. One of the nifist popular contributions wis "Pink Petti from Peter," sung and exhibited by Miss Edith Collins. -The Lidv and the Cart" was also a diverting number, in which the policeman. Ludwig Schnapps (Mr. Heo. Edwards). Albert and Miss Collins were nssoeiated. Miss Buckman .and the chorus were warmly re-called after the ''Little Wooden Shoes." The "Orphan's Ch >rus," with dance, was also amongst the numbers ?o be remembered.'' The chorus and ballet were a very strong feature of the production, and there is a very noticeable improvement all round in these branches. Aided by an efficient orchestra, Pollard's Opera Company need have no hesitation in undertaking •he nroduction, without fear of faili!'-" of the latest successes of the Old World stage, as is now their intention.

I "BELLE OF CUBA"—TO-NIGHT. To-night the Pollards will produce the American musical comedy "The Belle, of Cuba." and, like all American comedies, it is full of bright catchy music, ijjuaint dances', anil clever dialogue and situations. The piece gives the company opportunity to show their versatility, and has won golden opinions throughout the dominion. Miss Minnie Topping will make her first appearance this evening. ' To-morrow night the management promise something good in And ran's delightful opera, •'Olivette," which should appeal to all lovers of high-clas's music.