"MARITANA."

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3178, 12 April 1889, Page 2

"MARITANA."

The Amateur Operatic Society produced the above-named Opera in a manner tbat redounds with credit to every individual member taking part in the performance; and there certainly has not been any opera put on the local boards that was so elaborately mounted, from the scenery by Mr Bradbury to the minutest detail. The same remarks apply to the dresses, which were of the most elaborate description, and were suited to the characters taken by every individual, from the magnificent and costly drosses worn by Don Caesar ■ and Alaritana to the costumes worn by tho humblo boatmen, There was a very large audience to witness the performance, and, thanks to the elimination of tho shilling section, thero was that absceno of rowdyism that so often characterises dramatic performances in Masterton. The highest praise is due to Signor Carmini Morley for tho efficient manner in which ho has trained his company, to put so heavy a piece on in so short a time, while his conception of the character of Don Ciesar, and his activity and rendering of the various vocal numbers of the character were simply perfect. Matkmo Motley's Maritana was a treat that wo seldom get. This lady has a fine presenco and a magnificent voice, whilo hor dresses were most elaborate, and tho rendering of the numbers " The harp in tho air," " Scones that aro brightest," and the duet with Lazerillo, " Sainted Mothor," were worth going a long way to hear, Mrs Hooper's performance ot the page Lazerillo, stamps her as far aud away the best lady amateur we havo. The beautiful song, "Alas I those chimes," was sung to perfection, the effect being slightly marred, however, by the lady having to sing it in somi-darlmess, aud we certainly think that moro light should be thrown on that particular scene to givo due effect. M r Bray's Don Jose was another very creditable performance, and the way in which Signor Morley has brought this young gontloman out speaks volumes forhis ability as a teacher of the art of vocalisation. The magniGceutscena, " No I my courage," was given in a maimer worthy of a professional singer. Mr Pownall was, as usual, quite at home in his two small characters, and the change from the handsome captain of the Guard in the first act to the doddering old Marquis in the third was'a very marked one, and he made up for any deficiencies in singing, by his very clever acting, in which he was ably seconded by Miss Greathead as the Marchioness, whilo the minor characters of King, Officer of the Guards, Alcalde, Boatman wero equally as well dressed and sustained as the more important characters; in fact, this iniuute attention to tho smallest details no doubt conduced greatly to tho success of the piece, Hie ladies and gentlemen who comprised the chorous, did their share of the work in a most easy and natural manner, and the various choruses wore rendered with scarcely a fault. The " Health to the Lady " chorous in the prison scene and " Sing, pretty maiden, sing" in the first act being the most effective. The Soldiers under the captaincy of Lieutenant Hooper, in tho 18th century dresses of armour, played an important part in tho im'fs tn scene. A word of praise is due to tho compact little orchostra under tho baton of Conductor Pearson. Miss Bagge certainly deserves special mentiou for the efficient manner in which she fulfilled her arduous duties aspianjsl. The Opera will be repeated for the last time to-night, and we hope that the Society will be rewarded with a crowded house, for they most certainly deserve it.