ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2548, 8 July 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

POLLARD'S OPERA COMPANY--THE GAY HUSSAR.” For a ’on" time Gisborne theatregoers have looked forward to a visit from Hr. Tom Pollard's Juvenile. Opera Company, and though the weather and Cue consequent condition of the streets last evening were not suitable for tempting people out of doors,. His Majesty's Theatre was crowed to welcome the veteran manager' and his talented company of juveniles, and to witness the first production here of the spectacular musical comedy, ‘‘The Gay Hussar.” The play has a military atmosphere, and allows opportunities for effective costumes, good scenery, smart dialogues, catchy songs, and melodious music, and every opportunity was taken into use. The audience fully enjoyed the performance, and laughed heartily at the eccentric situations and the. grotesque caricatures. , The plot is founded entirely upon love and money; as the plots of musical comedies usailly are, but as the scene of action, or rather love, moves from a tea-room in Earl's Court, London, to Japan, the cj.portunities for complete change in tbe color schemes, costumes, and scenery in the two acts were many. The play was produced with plenty of vigor, there was not a dull moment, and the principals were rewarded with applause from the rise of the curtain to the fall. Master Bert Nicholson is an old favorite, and last evening he excelled himself as Bobs, an orderly to Captain Burke, of the Gay Hussars. Master Nicholson was quite at homo in his work, and his general yivacitv completely captured the audience whenever lie was on the stage. Miss Minnie Topping was Enid Marmont, who is in love with Captain Burke, and she quickly won the approval of tbe audience with her fine mezzo-soprano voice, and her clever acting. Mr. Charles Albert’s performance as-the Hon. Rev. Algy, a weak-minded titled clergyman, was absurdly funny. His make-up and mannerisms of the part were splendid, he is a- clever dancer, and with his song, with chorus, “That’s what thev say,” brought down the house, and earned a double encore. Miss Ivy Aldou’s impersonation of Mary Lousey, a coster girl, was a fine piece of work. Miss Aldons has all the freedom necessary to such a part; she danced well, and her various turns were encored. Miss C. O’Keefe made a good Captain Burke. Miss O’Keefe has a wirderfully deep and rich contralto voice, and earned encores for her two vopal numbers. Other good characters were Lcrd Cuilfail, Mr. Bert Williamson; Cuxinel McAllister, Mr. J. Willis; and Maud McAllister, Miss Ruby Esdaile. The minor characters in the cast were also well filled. '. . To-night the company will stage for the first time in Gisborne Planquette s romantic opera, “Rip Van Winkle. This piece was only recently pwducocl by the company in Wellington, *v d the production is said to have suited the juveniles admirably,the cast giving ample scopo to the principals to show tucu versatility. Mr, Charles Albert as Kip is happily cast, and Ins performance in this character is said to be one of bis best efforts. The scenery, dresses, lighting etc., will be oil the same magnificent scale which characterises all the P To-mon-ow UC nSgbt (Friday) L?c°q> rMJ KTiM to the company’s extensive repertoire.