THE RE-OPENING OF THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 376, 24 March 1871, Page 2

THE RE-OPENING OF THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

WRITTEN BY LANCELOT BOOTH. Dear friends, before the curtain's raised, on this our opening night. We welcome all to Thalia's shrine, now garnished new and bright. Fickle Fortune frowned at times: poor Thalia closed her doors. Soon the hum of workmen filled her walls that have echoed to applause. Th« gilder's hand, the painter's brush, the carver's cunning art, Like ma?ic dressed the temple that has cheered many a heart. And now the drama's favourite home opens wide her gates to all, ; When rejoicing friends in hundreds come, obedient to her call, The goddess smiles, right rich bedecked, c'en like the rising sun, She radiance shods upon the stage where triumphs have been won. What memories come of days gone by ! What praiiee have been sung Of Ed warden, Cox, poor Daniels, and charming Fanny Young. How many ri;h familiar names seem whispered in the air, Miss Juno, Evans, Cleveland, Hill, and Mrs. Robert Heir! Montgomery, too, once graced these boards, a master of his art, Joe Rayner's old good natured face shone in many a part. Perhaps of all who here have stood and made their final bow, i Not one was more regretted than courteous J. B. Howe. Pathos has brought to eyes the tears! Anon have aching sides Been held, while laughter loud has pealed at funny Johnny Hydes. A host of others, too, here stood, and took their treasured " call:" Who can forget the mirthful face of glorious Johnny Hall? Our muse would never weary be of singing of each name Of scores of worthy votaries, perhaps unknown to fame. But Patience smiling breathes " enough," and Melpomena nods, For "Patience is a virtue" most respected by the gods. Time has passed, changes came, and many of those players old Are scattered far in distant lands—some in deatk lie cold! But when the record of this night is spread by ocean mails, Some sure will murmur with a smile, " The dear old Prince of Wales!" And now a small selected band takes up the honored place. In kindly strife for your applause they each vie in the race. " The world is wide ! there's room for all," and sure are we that you Will visit the well-remembered house, and give to each his due. Now quickly -raise the curtain, we'll commence with " Friends and Foes"— The fornjer may we always be to drive away your woes. We beg you'll give us your support -we do not ask far leans.)' ■ Our cry shall be " Excelsior," our leader B. N. Jones ! —March 25.