“MERRY MOMENTS.”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1045, 11 September 1883, Page 2

“MERRY MOMENTS.”

Notwithstanding that there was a public meeting held last evening, the Merry Moments Company had no reason to .complain of the attendance at the Oddfellows' Hail, although had there been no counterattraction probably not a seat in the building would have been vacant. That the quality of the entertainment justified the reports of the ability of the members composing the troupe which have preceded them must have been the universal verdict of those present last evdtiing. The first part consists of a comedy entitled “ Quits,” which may not possess any striking literary merit, but serves admirably to enable the actors and actresses to show what they can do in their especial lines. A honeymoon party are detained on their journey by a railway accident, and in order to escape from 1 the bride’s father, who is in the same train, they adopt a number of disguises. Although the ac ors in this little piece number only four, the characters they undertake,gge no less than sixteen, each of which was clearly individualised and cleverly played. Miss Amy Horton was thoroughly? luccessful, and it need scarcely be said That her efforts were greeted with loud applause. Her acting as a school girl was- decLAdly the best thing we have seed- this lady attempt, the youthful voice and quaint actions being simulated toper faction, }As the Vivandiere, in which Misa Hoi&on accompanies herself on a drum; sir instrument she plays excellently well; another success was scored. Mrs D’ArcyStarifield created a good impression by her gtttoeful acting in the impersonations allotted to her, particularly as the innocent Mite Blusbinglie and as Dolly Prettyfhce. Those who remember Mr Fred; Dark lb the Tambour Major Company need-not be told that everything he did 'thoroughly pleased the audience. In his disguise as' a London tramp he hit off the peculiarities, of that kina of vagabond to the life, the parody ;of a Christy Minstrel.ballad eliciting heuty roars of laughter. Mr D’Arcy Stanfield established hinuetf as afavorite asupon as he stepped upon the stage. As Swillin’ .Timmy, a counterpart. of the-tramp just referred to, he was very comic, but perhaps his best received effort was as a Yankee showman, in Which part he delivered a aide splitting “ patter ” description of various extraordinary animkn. “ Quite” being concluded* Mr Dark'gUva an amusing sketch of a juvenile which those who have suffered from'the horrors of drawing-room music could folly appreciate. Miss Horton then sang one of her popular ditties with her usual success, and Mr Stanfield followed with some rapid changes d la Maccabe, and ah Imitation of the great tragedian Mr Henry Irving. This latter was undeniably Clever, but to those who know the original soma of the decided mannerisms would appear to be scarcely caught. The evening : concluded with the performance of the comedietta “ A Cup of Tea,” a piece that enabled Mrs Stanfield to show what an admirable comedy actress she is. The jealous but loving wife was played with -undoubted skill, and as the part is a decidedly difficult one, demanding careful handling, it is giving great, though by no means undeserved, praise to say that its performance left nothing to be desired. Mr Stanfield as Scroggins kept the house in a continual roar of laughter, and Mr Dark was also satisfactory as Sir Charles. A more pleasant evening’s entertainment could not be wished for, brimful as it is of humor, while there is an utter absence of vulgarity. We hope to see actowded house to-night, which will be- the laat opportunity Ashburton people will -have of witnessing this really excellent company.