FREDERIC MACCABE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3628, 27 February 1883, Page 2

FREDERIC MACCABE.

In these days of all work and very little play a couple of hours' relaxation such as that afforded by Mr Maccabe's entertainment is a treat that ought not to be missed. Maccabo has been before tho public for so many years that on his opening performance it was no surprise to find the Theatre filled some time before 8 o'clock. When a

celebrity visits Napier play-goers do not wait for criticisms before making up their minds to see him, and we predict for Mr Maccabe full houses during his stay here. Maccabc relies entirely upon his own powers y for the amusement of his audience. A ' portion of the stage, ou which is placed a -.piano, a small tabic and a chair, is curtained off, and the renowned delineator presents himself in various characters Avhieh he portrays with wonderful fidelity. A short explanation of Avhat he was going to do led to a retirement of twelve seconds, when he re-appeared as a pompous old gentleman and gave a most amusing after-dinner speech and song, which were loudly applauded. In the character of Miss Mary May he kept the house in roars of laughter, and then created most agreeable surprise by his execution on the piano. Mr Maccabe is an accomplished musician and A'ocalist, as well as an actor and ventriloquist. In his song, '' Not myself at all,'' he fairly bro light doAi'n the house, and as a " lady-killer " he was intensely funny. Perhaps the cleverest •ketch was that in which he appeared as a Loudon street singer, voice, style, and general get-up being inimitable. _ His ventriloquial powers are vastly superior to any other " professor " we have ever had iu'New Zealand before, while his display of them is irresistibly lau-hable. The entertainment IS divided into two parts, each occupying rather over an hour, the whole formiiis- one of the most amusing and enjoyable performances that we have had here. The programme will be repeated this eveuino', and to-morrow and next day there will be°a special train from Hastings, to enable country settlers to enjoy the treat of a good hearty laugh.