ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2478, 29 May 1888, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

Tiik "Piiiatks of ruszANCK."—Tlio production of the operetta, "The Pirates <>f Pen/.ance," by the Theatre Royal Company on Thursday was a great success, fur exceeding this must sanguine anticipations. Tlio audience was n large and most appreciative one, consisting of representatives from all parts of the district. All the performers were suitably dressed for their respective characters in costumes that would do credit to any stage, and they well sustained their allotted positions. Mr Long, as the Pirate King, sustained the character to the life, and was in excellent voice. Mr Clarko, the real hero of the piece, walked the stage as to the manner born ; his tenor voice was heard to great advantage, and he was repeatedly encored. Mr T. Gresham, as the Major-General, was a great delineation of the character. In a long and difficult speech, which had to be spoken with rapidity and veheinency, Mr Gresham fairly brought down the house. Mr h. Awbin, as the Lieutenant, was also a success, while Mr Kiggs, as Sergeant of the "Foorce," was inimitable. Amongst the numerous lady actors Mrs Long at once made her mark with her audionce, her acting and singing being far above many professional stars who have visited Xew Zealand. Miss R. Allen, who sustained the principal lady character, is too well known to need any more reference than to mention that she never appeared in better voice, and that her acting was perfect, identifying herself completely with her chiiiacter for che time being. Mrs Andrews, Mrs Gresham, Miss Finch and other ladies, who took part/., were all completely fit home in thorn, and were heartily applauded, not a hitch occurring in the whole performance. Everybody was delighted with the evening's amusement, and a great number express their intention to see it again. So next Wednesday at Te Awamutu a more than bumper house will be present. No doubt a great deal of the success of the piece v/ae due to the excellence of the orchestra. Mr 3 Helps, as an instrumentalist, is a host in herself on the piano, and with Mr T. Goodfellow with the violin, both thoroughly up to the music, left nothing to be desired. If there was a larger building in the district with a stage capacious enough for the numerous company, and they could repeat the performance for the Hospital, or some other charitable object, a large sum would be raised, as their fame is by this time widely known.