REVIEW OF THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTION OF 'H.M.S. PINAFORE'
The production of "H.M.S. Pinafore" last night by Mr. Riccardi's company was a decided success, but not so pronounced as it would have been had the inadequacy of the preparatory rehearsal been less observable. There, are, however, so many good things in the composition itself, the aspect of the stage was so enspiriting, the leading performers generally so effective, and the audience so willing to be pleased that the curtain fell amidst very warm applause. Where such a measure of approval is the result of a first representation, there is reason for believing that the subsequent performances will so improve from night to night that after one or two repeats the entertainment will be as perfect as it can be.
There was a large attendance, and the seamen of the war vessels in harbour were liberal of their patronage and approbation.
The chorus was unusually large, and the orchestra thoroughly efficient. It should not be forgotten that in performances of this kind, where the chorus has to undergo some preliminary training, and where the members of the chorus cannot constantly attend rehearsals, there is always a margin upon which errata must be marked, however great the success achieved. Last night some parts of the choruses were remarkably strong and accurate, while other parts were considerably mixed. But they worked through with praiseworthy persistence, and except to the trained ear there would have appeared no great reason to finding fault. The finales were generally good, and a good finish will overcome many defects.
The comic action of the piece was not at first so apparent from the evident earnestness of the vocalists. It consists in the "swell" of the Great First Lord, elevated through Parliament, from an attorney's clerk. How perfectly Mr. Riccardi has got the meaning of the role is really worth seeing. The captain's daughter, Josephine, loves a sailor "before the mast", although her hand is sought by the First Lord, and Hebe, the First Lord's first cousin, has a reversionary interest in the failure of this wooing. Dick Deadeye is a nautical Danny Mann. Little Buttercup, however, discloses the fact that once she kept a "baby-farming" establishment, and "mixed" two blessed, one being Ralph Rackstraw and the other the Captain, upon which Josephine melts in the arms of the "foremast" lover.
The references to contemporary follies and absurdities are sometimes extremely comical, but rather subtle, and their actual scope and purpose are not completely grasped upon a first night.
The singing of the leading roles was excellent, Miss Leaf being in splendid voice, Miss Teague thoroughly conversant with the exigencies of her part, and Miss Hunter almost perfect in her manner of delivering the really clever passages of the libretto which she had to interpret. For it must be recollected, that if correct singing is essential, the point and meaning of the written text is scarely less requisite.
Besides the regular members of the chorus, a considerable number of the men of the Naval Brigade gave their services, and a hornpipe was brought in very appropriately to heighten the scene. A full stage is always grateful to the audience. The constant stir and movement prevent flagging and vacuity.
The libretto is throughout very clever. The manner in which the deck of a large ship was represented was very ingenious. The opera was well mounted. The costuming was all that could be desired. The music is flowing and graceful, with a vein of the "Rule Britannia" running through it, which sustains its national and marine character.
The whole thing is very spirited, and capable of any extent of enlargement. There are two or three duets, two trios, and one sestette of exquisite harmony in the composition. These were all well rendered. There was nothing defective in the performance but what another rehearsal or two can cure.
"H.M.S Pinafore" is sure to be even more popular than even the "Sorcerer". The fact is, that the "Sorcerer" surprised everybody and outran expectation, This opera will reach it to the fullest height, for it is a more solid composition in itself, and appeals to sympathies that are always present with the audiences who come to see and hear it.