THE MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1922, Page 6

THE MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS

AN EXCELLENT COMPANY. It is a long time since the theatre patrons of New Plymouth have had such a musical and spectacular treat as was presented at the Empire Thetre on Saturday night. “The Maid of the Mountains" was well-known as a musical comedy-drama long before it ever arrived here. The story hinges around the activities of a band of brigands whose retreat in the mountains has been discovered. To ensure the safety of Teresa, one of the band, the leader, Baldasarre, sends her away ere the Government forces attack, but she is captured and cast into prison, the price of her freedom being the surrender of Baldasarre. The latter, with Beppo and Tonia, a couple of brigands, determines to rescue Teresa and to that end they impersonate the new governor and the staff, who' are to relieve the present governor. General Malona, whose remissness in the matter of the capture of the’brigands, has ended in his dismissal. Arrived at the seat of Government, however. Baldasarre becomes infatuated with the general’s daughter, and. although everything is ready and they can take their departure with Teresa, he desires to continue the impersonation for a while longer. Maddened with jealousy. Teresa betrays Baldasar”n, her rescue of him later revealing the depth of hor love and curing Baldasarre of his infatuation.

The bulk of the work falls on Teresa, in which role Miss Florence Lusk was very convincing. Acting with the intense passion of Southern Europe and with the loyalty of a brigand swept eway bt a momentary flash of jealousy, she rose to great heights, the betrayal scene at the end of thp second act being exceptionally well done. Her voice, too. is very pleasing, and. she earned the plaudits heartily given for the master song of the piece, “Love will find a way.” Her other solos are “My life is love” and “Farewell,” while in the two duets. “A paradise for two” and “When you’re in love.” she was equally good. The othe • female parts are well sustained by Miss Hebe Barlow. Tonia’s widow, Miss Lily Clifton as the governor’s daughter, and by Miss Frances Mullane, a fish er-girl.

As Baldasarre. Mr. Lionel Walsh imparts a good deal of dramatic force into the character. His deep voice sounded a trifle nasal at times, but nevertheless he made a good showing as the pseudo-governor and somewhat stern brigand chief, two roles requiring very different handling. Mr. Newstead i~ quite at home as Tonio. His humor is very good—it is clean, and it is refreshing and shows up well in the second and third acts. He has a pleasant speaking and singing voice, his cluets with Miss Barlow nd with Percy Clifton being very effective. Furthermore, he dances w«dl. while his mock fight and duel with General Malona were very amusing. This latter part is taken by Mr. I’ercy Clifton, and his impersonation of the garrulous old governor, whose affections are readily captured by members of the opposite sex. raised many a hearty laugh, while with Crumpet (Mr. Wilton Power) his byplay was very amusing. Mr. Alan Wright, as Baldasarre’s lieutenant. Beppo. is not called on for a great deal of acting, but in such as was required he was good. He also sings well.

A word may be said of the chorus. Though not numerically strong, they all seem to be possessed of particularly good singing voices and they let their choruses go with a will. The whole play is well staged and dressed. Tho audience on Saturday night well filled the theatre and it is safe to predict that, the tidings having spread, there will be a crowded house to-night, when “The Maid of the Mountains” will be repeated.