The Montague-Turner English Opera Company.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4269, 15 November 1892, Page 2

The Montague-Turner English Opera Company.

"Maritana,"

Masterton people could hardly have realised the fact, that the highest class of English Opera was to be staged at the Theatre Royal last night, by artists of exceptional merit, or the house would surely havo been pocked |in every part. It is not often that, without a trip to Wellington, tho opportunity is given of being present at tho production of each charming works as "Maritana," and it is safe to eay that never before has the opera been rendered in Masterton with such powerand effect. Ibe title role in the bands of MissAnnis Montague was a representation in thebighest sense of what is known as the English style, which is now eclipsing all other schools in popularity throughout the world. Possessing a rich, dear and flexible soprano, of greit compass and exquisite sweetness, combined with a perfect knowledge of how to uso it, she soon gained an irresistible influx ence with the audience, Her natal acting and vivacity also won lierPcli applause, and in the number" Scenes that are Brightest," the audience would not be denied an encore, and despite the lateness of the hour Miss Montague gracefully consented. Eaoh of her other numbers was exceptionally well rendered, and all were received with rapt enthusiasm.

Mies £. Lambert, who sustained , the part of Lazarillo, is deserving the highest praise. Her rendering of "Alas those Chimes" was indeed excellent, in spite of the (act that she was suffering from a cold.

" Maritana" found an able supporter in Mr Charles Turner, who as Don Caesar de Bazan, distinguished himself highly, his robust tenor, voice being heard to the greatest advantage ia" Let me like a Soldier Fall," for which he received avopiferous enoore, Powerlal and melodious was also tho duet " Oh, Maritana," in vrbioh he i took part with Miss Montague, and the strength and .'expression of his singing soon established him a wrra favourite. Mr Fred England applied as Don Jos6 atd mado several palpable hits, particularly n his singing of "In Happy Moments." Mr F, Sceats as the King of Spain, Mr Henry Gassier as the Marquis, and Misa'Nomh Conway, as the Marchioness, were all deserving of . praise, the minor characters being oach ably filled. The dresses were exceedingly handsome, those worn by Maritana in the Bridal Scene and in the last aot being remarkably so, but the whole of the costumes wore much admired. Taken altogether the performance was a decided success, and we anticipate that the old favorite" The Bohemian' Girl," which will be put on to-night,, will attract a very large audience indeed. ■■';.■■>■::• v!".-.