The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1881-05-28
"PINAFORE.

After witnessing a second time the perform
ance of this charming comic operatta by our
talented amateurs, we were pleased to notice a
marked improvement on the first representation ;
good as that was. The general effect and rem
dering Of Pinafore at the Music Hall, last Tuesday
evening, was very satisfactory to a large and
highly respectable audience.
When a company of amateurs offer an enter
tainment for a charitable purpose, the usual feel
ing on snch occasions, of the audiences that
have been persuaded to patronize the affair, is
one of good-natured forbearance towards a graf
uitous and imperfect effort but such a feeling
is not at all called for on this occasion of anna
teur performance.
We feel, indeed, that we ought to drop the
term amateur, as applied to the ladies and gen
tlemen of Honolulu who have been recently
representing Pinafore in our new Hall, and rate
them, and speak of them, as professionals; GER
tainly, we must say-speaking from a large ex-
perience-that we do not know where we should
look for better evidence Of professional ease and
finish of performance. OF course, we can find
occasion for criticism of some particulars but
looking at the tout ensemble of costume, make
up, and mise en- scsne-noting the harmonious
movement Of dramatic action and listening to
the fine and we'll finished vocalization of the
whole company we cannot appreciate that even
the Mapleson troupe, fresh from London, whom
our critic saw in New York City, a short while
ago, represent Carmen and ether operas, could
put this operetta on the boards more effectively
than our amateurs. Understand, as we have said
before, we have not to discuss high operate
achievement. This performance does not call for
it: but what it does call for, our home artists
have shown that they can render. as smoothly
and as satisfying to an intelligent audience, as
any professionals could have done. The tone
and style of Miss Luce, as Josephine, is all that
could be desired. In her impersonation she de-
lights the eye and the ear. Mr.. Walkers Ad-
miral illustrates a nice and careful study. Mr..
Harnden's Ralph, and Mrs. Harnden's Butter
cup are we'll gotten up, and perfectly satisfying
performances. Mr.. Swanzy's Captain, and Mr..
Atkinson's Boatswain are the presentations of
careful students and artists. Mr.. Houldsworth's
Deadeye is the dramatic foil intended by the
author the cynical Thersites of the Camp,
whose growl h~eightens the general melody of a
vocal man-of-war, including the charming Cousin
Hebe, and all the Cousins, and the Sisters. and
the Aunts.
We say we noticed on this second representa-
ton of Pinafore, a marked improvement on the
first performance. We recognized a much more
distinct articulation. The run of the dramatic
action was much smoother and the vocalization
showed a more careful finish in every part. The
orchestral accompaniment of Prof. Berger and
assisting musicians was excellent, as usual, and
contributes so largely to the success of this per-
formauce.
Our amateurs have now disclosed their gifts
and they owe a duty and a responsibility to the
community, not to hide them away 10 napkins.
They must let their artistic lights shine before
a generation that needs tasteful and inspiring
entertainment. Let them csnsecrate our new
Hall as a temple for the worship of art in many
forms. They have done SO much, they must do
more, and satisfy the advancing expectations of
their society and their fellow-citizens.
At the close of the performance last Tuesday
evening, the Oath, the birthday of the illustri-
GUS British Empress was recognized by the en-
thusiastic siugipg,all standipg-COppany chorus
and audience-ors God Save the Queen" Long
live Victoria, the Mother and Sovereign, reyered
and loved by the nations in every quarter of the
globe.