"THE MERRY WIDOW."

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3180, 4 May 1909, Page 5

"THE MERRY WIDOW."

A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION. As might have been expected, there was a crowded house on the occasion of the first and only production by Williamson's Royal Comic Opera Company of the celebrated musical comedy, "The Merry Widow, at the Town Hall last evening. It is safe to say that this bright composition from the pen of Franz Lehar quite maintained its reputation, the music being of a particularly captivating nature, while the "haunt'ng" waltz melody which permeates the production was much admired. The staring was quite up to the management's usual high standard, and the dressing was decidedly artistic and clever, notably the opening of the second act. A strong orchestra, under the direction ' of Mr Howard Carr, contributed much to the success of the production, although there were occasions when it was much too loud, overpowering the singers. Of the individual parformsrs, special prominence must be given to Miss Florence Young, whose impersonation of the name part was artistic, her solos all being well rendered. Messrs Reginald Roberts and Andrew Higginson shared honours emong the male vocalists. The former has a pleasing tenor voice, but his enunciation is somewhat faulty in his register. Mr Higginson as Prince Danilo acted splendidly, while his singing also met with appreciation, save a tendency towards a nasal tone in a few of his entry passages. The "fun" was supplied principally by Messrs Victor Gouriet and W. S. Percy, and that they were successful goes without saying. Miss Georgie Musgrove and Miss Fanny Dango both contributed to the success of the performance, the former by her singing; and the latter by her clever dancing. Messrs Bantock, A. Arthur, D. B. O'Brien, and J. Hughes made the most of minor parts allotted to them, and altogether the cast was a particularly strong one.