POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9706, 31 January 1910, Page 5

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY.

Mr Fred W. Duval, the touring •manager of this popular combination, who has been associated with Pollard •companies since the original one in 1879 is now in town arranging tor the forthcoming visit here. As dsual, Mr Pollard returns with new pieces . and new faces. The opening night is -fixed for Saturday, February sth, and the season is limited to two Dighta. Tda initial attraction will be the fo* production here of the latest AJherican sensntional success, the new operatic extravaganza "The Belle of Cuba." This work has been creating quite a furore wherever :played>and has'been drawing crowded houses in the Southern cities. On .Monday playgoers will have the pleasure of witnessing the nrst rproduction in Masterton by this • company of the record-breaking musical comedy success, "Miss Hook •of Holland." The Pollard ment have secured the sole riehts of this lung-expected work from Sir | : Rupert Clarke, Meynell and Gunn, of the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, and -Criterion Theatre, Sydney, it will be staged here with all the original seeneiy, wardrobe, properties and • effects. Since Mr Pollard was last here he has altered the personnel of his company considerably. He has dropped the word juvenile, and has engaged several male voices. Among others are Mr Wilfrid Hilary, a baritone with a vast English experience, and Mr A. S. McKay, a light bantone, who also has Old World credentials. Miss Edyth Collins, soubrette and dancer, is another newcomer; while Miss Nelson > and Miss Gumming, sopranos, will be.) heard for the first time. The management intended giving New Zealand a lengtnly spell, but having been energetic enough to secure such as Ihe Belle of Cuba," "C ..«tte," "Tambour Major," and the record breaker, "Miss Hook of Holland," a new tour of the Dominion has been decided on. The scenery, wardrobe, and effects for each production will, it is promised, excel anything yet seen upon a local stage. The box plans for the season will be opened at Miss Rive s on Wednesday morning, when there is certain to be a rush for seats especially for "Miss Hook of Holland."