La Magcotte.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 665, 29 September 1891, Page 2

La Magcotte.

THE OPERA SEASON OPENS WITH A CROWDED HOUSE. The Juvenile Comic Opera Company opened their Gisborne season at the Theatre Royal last night, when La Mascotte was produced. The Company was greeted with a splendid house, the theatre being packed in all parts, and the way in which the play went off fully justified all that had been said in its favor. From first to last it was characterised by a pleasing vigor and infectious humor that set everyone off into unconstrained merriment. The way in which ths play was mounted was something magnificent scenery, dress, and other appointments being splendid. The singing of the juveniles, though of course not equal to that of adults, was remarkably good, and called forth igh praise. The dancing, grouping, and marching, were done in a manner reflecting much credit on the diligent training under Mr Tom Pollard. The cramped space was a drawback, but It did not impair the precision of the movements. The title role, La Masootte, was acted by Miss Lily Everet, whose grace and vivacity sot;n established her as a favorite—she seems to have a nstural aptitude for opera boiiffe. Her voice ie 'not powerful, but she made a special mark in the duet “ Glou Glou " with Pippo, and her spirited acting quite charmed the audience. Allowing for the variation of characters, much the same may be said of Miss Stevens, as Fiametta, whose singing evoked many rounds of applause, “In Old Madrid,” and “ The Attractive Girl ” being very popular. Miss Beryl Mackay gave a clever exposition of ths part of Pippo, and Miss Edith Zeigler was a capable little Prince, and ber rendering of the incidental vocal music was much appreciated. The low comedy element was of course the life and soul of the play in that respect, Master guealey as Roeoo, and Master Stevens as anient, being admirable. The fooling was really excellent, the local allusions being quickly perceived—two very decided hits were made. The humor, however, was not allowed to cross that line of good taste which divides wholesome fun from vulgarity, Al! the other performers did justice to their parts, The drilling was perfect, and the dancing capital. The chorus “ Oh, She’s Charming," in the second act, by the pages, was especially popular, while the msnmuvres of the soldiers in ths third act was enthusiastically cheered._ The audience seemed in raptures of delight at the elever and graceful wheeling, marching, and counter-marching of fee children. The Company has the advantage 'of an excellent orchestra, and the music of the opera ie bright and taking. Gisborne people usually know when they have a good thing, and the warm appreciation of the merit of the Company now doing business is likely to lead to big bouses each night.

The Mikado will be played this evening for the first time in Gisborne. Thia popular play, though all the rage in New Zealand for many months, has never been performed In Gisborne, but now Gisborne playgoers will have an opportunity to see such a performance of it as is'in many respects superior to the manner in which other Companies have put ths Mikado on in the cities.