AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 325, 26 February 1910, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS.

"THE BELLE OF CUBA." Last night Pollard's presented the original, brilliant and humorous American musical comedy, "The Belle of Cuba." This Amerclan operatic extravaganza if light and piquant, set with catchy music, smart dialogue and quaint dances. The tale concerns Cuba, whe-e an English aristocrat lorget* his marriage, vows and plunges into a "good time" with the island belles the appearance of his wife on th-> scene, and her "diamond cut diamond" revenge. Tile comedy proceeds merrily with solos, choruses, part songs and dances until finally matters are unravelled an-J everything has a happy and pretty ending. The principal members of the cast were:—Senor Antonia Muria (a Cuban tobacco planted), Mr. Jack Wli,li§T ManueT Garcia Alonso (his iorcman), Hilary: Partigas (a cigar roller). Mr. A. S. McKay; Aguila D'Oro (an agitator and a boaster), Mr. G. Edwards; Lord Henry Clay (an English" visitor). Mr. Charles Albert; CasteliiTa Miss Minnie Topping); Coqtietas (cigar stall girl, in love with Aguila), Miss Clarice Buckman; Florofina (cigar stall sir!, in love with Garcia), Miss May Topping); Lady Henry Clay, Miss Cissie O'Keefo, and thesse., and every other member of ttu.caste, played their parts as they should be played. Amongst the choicest' vocal numbers jjiven were a solo and dance by Miss Minnie Topping; "The Bull Fight" Mr. George Edwards; trio and dance. Misses Buckman. Topping and Tir. Charles Albert; '"Off to San- -"' Misses Aldous {2) and Trixie Ireland; "By-and-bye," quintette, Misses Buckman and Topping and Messrs \ltoert, Mcßifv and Edwards; and -'The Alphabetical Proposal," by Miss Minni? 'lopping and Mr. Charles Albert.

" OLIVETTE""—'IO-NIGHT. To-night the Pollards will conclude their season with a performance of Audran's world-famed comic opc-a. "Olivette." This charming opera has won golden opinions throughout the Dominion. Such charming numbers us ' ; Tte~TOTpedo and the Whale," a serenade, "Darling, Good-night," and "'Rum, Rum, Jamaica Rum," have been received Vith the greatest enthusiasm. The scenery, dressing and" properties will bf on tie extensive scale characteristic of all the Pollards' performances. This will be the last opportunity of seeing the Pollards for some considerable time, as they leave shortly for an extended tour oi Australia.

THE FAMOUS SCARLET TROUBADOURS. So great has heen the success of this inimitable company of English musical artists, the Scarlet Troubadours, that Mr. Edward Branscombe *as decided to pay a return visit to Australasia, with India and Atnca following in quick succession. It will perhaps be borne in mind that their previous tour was one continued series of successes, in spite of the Tat? chat Zicy were ■preceded by the •'Merrvmaicers,'' a style of entertainment that was hardly on the same lines as the Troubadours, although there were points of resemblance; and the fact that both provided .an entirely new form of costume concert work, and that both came direct from London, had the usual effect on the public, namely, the mixing up of the two organisations, and to this day it 7s' not uncommon to meet with people who will confuse the two -parties. Such was the success, however, of Mr. Bvanscombe's company in every part of Australasia as to warrant a return. and'-us much as a treble visit to some of the larger provincial and metropolitan centres. In view of the approaching visit of the above English company on Thursday and Friday, The following, culled from the Melbourne Playgoer, will be of special interest. Much comment has been made over £he'~superexcellent singing to be heard at the Scarlet' Troubadours' performances, and a well-known city paper has gone s'o far as to say that it would do credit to any opera house in the world. When it is known that several of the male artists arc recognised grand opera singers, also that the caste includes two raembers of the famous Meis'ter Glee Singers, i,t would be somewhat surprising if this part of their work were - not remarkable, and especially considering the fact that the organisation is directed by Mr. Edward Branscombe, whose name is a household word for perfection in vocal detail. For the highest form of refined humor there has' been nothing heard in Australia to compare with the Scarlet Troubadours. The basso alone—Mr. I-ord Waltham — is the possessor of a voice of quite extraordinary beauty and volume, and his evident perfect adaptability to all demands of the make him an ideal member of an ideal company. Mr. Sydney Maihiering is al-o to be congratulated on The excellent stage business he has originated. The box plans will be opened at Collier and Co.'s this morning Tit 9' o'clock.