English Comic Opera.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3293, 11 July 1879, Page 2

English Comic Opera.

"GIROFLE GIRO FLA."

Last evening there was a good attendance at the Academy to witness the first representation of this celebrated opera bouffe, by Lecocq, the talented author of "Madame Angot." The music of the piece is light and sparkling, and the plot: most ingenious. Giroflo and Girofla are the twin daughters of Don Boleroj an impecunious Spanish Grandee and his wife Donna Aurora, a perfect shrew. Girofie is betrothed to Marasquiri, a banker to whom Don Bolero is indebted to the extent of four millions, and'; her sister to Mourzouk, a fierce Moorish? Prince. Don Bolero desirous of economising as far as possible arranges for the nuptials of both his daughters to eventuate on the same day. Unfortunately, however, on the day appointed only" lone bridegroom—Marasquin—comes to. the, scratch, Mourzouk being detained at home through indisposition. Marasquin will brook no delay, and his marriage with the maiden of his choice eventuates. On the same day a band of pirates make a descent on Don Bolero's palace,' and the other daughter Girofla is carried off. Mourzouk then appears, and demands his bride, JBolero and his spouse, fearful oj>' the wrath of the Moor,' induce the newly, married Girofle to personate her sister, and as Girofla she is married to Mourzouk.. At the supper both bridegrooms get intoxicated, and the fun becomes hilarious, when both capture Girofle and address her as their wife. When they return to a state of sobriety, an explanation takes place, and the wrath of the Moor is intense. It is, however, dispelled at the close by the appearance of the lost Girofla on the scene. Miss Leaf impersonated the twin sisters, and all through the piece comported herself with a most nattiralabandon. The gem of the opera " See how it sparkles" was rendered by her in a most artistic manner, while her excellent representation of the double part was evidently the result of considerable study. Her singing in the trio with her husbands elicited loud applause. Miss Hunter played the small part of Paquita,, and gave great satisfaction. , Miss Teaguie, as Pedro, was in excellent voice, and all her efforts were loudly applauded., ,' Mr Harding personated Marasquin, and Mr Eiccardi the Moor, and it is just to say that both gentlemen were perfect. The pusillanimous henpecked Don Bolero was skilfully represented by Mr Hodson, and kept the audience in a chronic state of laughter. Miss Heath's acting in the part of his wife was also most amusing. This lady is a very painstaking actress, and always shows herself thoroughly conversant with the exigencies of her part. The minor characters were creditably represented, and the piece was well iireßi' ij t a new wardrobe having been espy:^V: ( . prepared for its production. TO-NIGHT. " Girofle-Girofla " will be again produced, and we can strongly commend, it to our readers. . !