The Juvenile Opera Company.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 666, 1 October 1891, Page 2

The Juvenile Opera Company.

THE MIKADO. Thai sparkling comic opera The Mikado was produced in Gisborne for the first time, on Tessday night. The production was a striking success regarded from any point of view. The staging was magnificent, the soenio representations being an artistic triumph such as has not previously been approached in Gisborne. The opera itself completely threw the Masootte in the shade, and those who only attended on the Oom pany’s opening night can have but a faint conception of the brilliant performance of the Mikado. Though the night threatened to be a wet one there was notwithstanding a large attendance at the Theatre on Tuesday evening. The juveniles entered into their work with a spirit that was delightful, and there was no need to make any allowance for age in pronouncing the performance the finest thing of the kmd that has been seen in Gisborne—indeed critical persons who have bad many opportunities of witnessing the Mikado played, acknowledged that the juveniles could be given the palm. The way the pretty Japanese fans were used was a treat to witness, and all the charming bits of by play were delightful; the singing, dancing, and posturing were all of very high excellence. In many instances treble encores were not sufficient to satisfy the audience, who seemed to get more in love with each portion of the opera the oftener it was repeated. Master Stephens, in his representation of Ko Ko, showed a wonderful mastery of the charno'er. His perception of the part and his acting, indicated that he is a young fellow with great talent as a low comedian. All his comicalities were warmly appreciated, and his humorous singing of “ The flowers that bloom in the spring,” “ I've got him on the list,” and “ Willow, Tit Willow,” were each several times vociferously en cored. His remarkable power of facial expression gave much effect to his work. Mi»s Lily Everett was an excellent Nanki Poo, playing her part with as much spirit as she had done in the Masootte on the previous evening, and being warmly applauded tor her singing and by-play. Master Percy gave an efficient representation of the Mikado, and his patter song was especially appreciated. Master Quealey was capital as Pish Tush, and his eccentricities created great amusement. The wonderfully clever Edith Zeigler was a sweet little Yum Yum, and was ably supported by the two other maids. Misses Lily S-'ephens and Nel Wilson, as Pitti Sing and Peep Bo respectively. Yum Yum’e song “ The sun and I,” and others, were capitally given, and her acting was very nice. The trio “ Three little maids from echool ” was most popular, white Miss Stephens’ song, “ He’s going to marry Yum Yum,” was many times encored. Master Clemow did well as the Pooh Bah. As Katisha Miss Flo Ruesell was an admirable success, giving proof of histrionic capabilities of a high quality. Each of her songs was vigorously applauded. The choruses were all excellent, the Mikado being an opera that offers special advantages in that respect. Some of the tableaux were exquisite, and the pretty effect could hardly be imagined by those who had not the pleasure of being present. The email size of the children made the graceful posing with the many colored fans look much prettier than it oan be done by adults. The beautiful tableaux did indeed give the stage the appearance of a division of fairyland, as we were taught in younger days to picture fairyland. The dresses of the children were splendid, not only the principals, but all the choristers, being arrayed in costumes of the prettiest description, and in keeping wi'h the magnificence of the scenery. The orchestra, under the direction ofMrWaud, played the taking tnusio in a superior manner. PIRATES OF PENZANCE. This opera—also one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s well-known productions—was put on the boards last night, and of course drew a good house, the audience being enthusiastic from first to last. The mounting of the opera was in keeping with the excellence the Company has shown in that respect all through, and all the details had close attention. The children again displayed that careful training which is such a high test - mony of the assiduity of Mr Tom Pollard, under whose direction all the operas are produced. The choruses were frequently applauded for their merit, the singing and dancing being capital and the by-play good all through. The young prime donna from Wellington, Mias Marion Mitchell, ably took the part of Mabel. She has a very pleasing soprano voice, clear and of fine quality, being of more than ordinary range. Naturally she was warmly applauded, the talented young lady fully justifying the high reputation by which ehe had been preceded, Bouquets ware at times showered on th® pUtforns, these marks of approbation being awarded generally to the principals. The favorite of other evenings, Miss Eveiett, had the part of Frederic, in which she acquitted herself quite on a par with previous successes. Miss Stephens represent’d Edith, which the little lady made the best of, her singing and acting making her a great favorite and evoking much applause. Miss Flo Bussell, who was Katisha in the Mikado, played Both last night with much ability, making a striking euoocess and having her efforts appreciated by the audianoe, Misses Nell Wilson and Gildale gave good representations of the respective parts of Kate and Isabel. Master Quealey (sergeant of police) was enthusiastically enoored for his singing of the solo in the Policemen’s chorus. Master Stephens was quite equal to the part of Major General, and got a rousing encore for the song f A Modern Major-General.’ Master Percy sustained the part of Pirate King in a way that fully justified the applause awarded him. Miss Mary Sullivan, a bright little pet of very young age, made a droll Lilliputian policeman, whose comicalities attracted considerable attention, and Master Farrell, another mite, likewise took part in some drolleries which caused great amusement, There were two very pretty tableaux shown, on® at the close of each act, the opera feeing brought to a oquelusion with an' allegorical representation of Britannia as taler of the waves, Mies July Stephens singing Rule Britannia with splendid effeot. The grqnd finale evoked the most enthusiastic applause, and from the warm expressions of approval given by the audience, it was made clear that the Company is increasing in popularity the more that iq seen of it.

To-night the Pirates will be repeated, 4hd there is little doubt that the magnificence of last night’s production will lead to another big house to witness it.

In response to a very general request Mr Greville, the obliging manager of the Company, has decided to repeat the popular Mikado to-morrow, and to have it proauegd at a matinee on Saturday afternoon, to give the children an opportunity of seeing this pretty operatic conception. La Masootte will be the farewell performance, the Oom* pony leaving for Auckland on Bundayi