OPENING OF THE CROMWELL ATHENÆUM.

Dunstan Times, Issue 661, 18 December 1874, Page 3

OPENING OF THE CROMWELL ATHENÆUM.

Oh Friday evening last this magnificent building was open to the public anil afforded them an opportunity of assembling en manse thereat. From sunset, vehicles were constantly arriving from the outlying districts, and at about 8 o’clock people were to he seen wending their way to the Athenaeum. The largo and spacious Hall was well lit, and presented a gay and attractive appearance, while the strong muster of the fair sex surpassed description. Duncan M’Kcllar, Esq., M.P.C. opened the entertainment by delivering an address and resume of the circumstances under which the building was started ; the difficulties the < -ommittee had in the past to combat; the principles by which the Institution would be governed, and the desire and need that existed for funds; the duty of the public to contribute, and by liberal donations aid the spread of literature in these parts. Mr M'Kellar was frequently applauded. (We regret that want of space prevents our reporting in extenso his very excellent and pertinent observations ) Mr Snook then delivered a prologue.—(Wc hold that prologues are unnecessary on such occasions, and that in too many instances they become an infliction, alone tolerated by the audience out of personal respect to the reciter.) The curtain rose at ten minutes past nine to the well known drama “ Time Tries All.” It is unnecessary to give the plot, as it is well known that this is ono of those dramas peculiarly adapted to amateurs, as it is easily dressed, and requires no mechanical or stage “ effects. Mr Loeson was admirably’ sustained by’ Mr Snook. Mr Brown as “ Matthew Bates, ” was not very successful. Collander Yawn was well played by Mr Colclough ; in fact, the personation would not have disgraced a professional—his make up was faultless, and his stylo natural, and he kept up the “ yawning business ” till the last. Mr Nicholas was very happy as “Charles Clinton." Mr Teach got through “Tommy Tact ” very well, while the small part of ‘ ‘ John ” was made the most of by Mr Gilmour. Laura Lceson was ably sustained— The wayward and spoilt daughter, who! is fond ef nothing, and will not be ruled—who thoroughly despises Matthew, and insists upon having her own way, was properly conceived, but required a little more abandon, and stage freedom, to give it thorough effect, while in the second act, when the recklessness of childhood was passed and the dash of girlish pride has been toned down, and she awakes to know herself to feel that she has been unjust, and nothing but remorse is left, were by the Lady Amateur done justice. The Club should feel grateful in having “ such talent ” as that evinced in the pourtrayal of “ Laura Leeson,” and tire applause so generously given was richly earned, and deserved. “ Fanny Tact ” secured an excellent representative, but was not in the bye play supported by “ Tommy Tact.” It would be well if gentlemen amateurs would recollect that in any dialogue, each party should play up to the other, and if any stage room be required, it is in professional etiquette usual to give way to the lady, and not endeavor to play to the “ Gods,” and ignore the presence of that lady, If

there was a well sustained part in the piece 1 Miss Fanny Fact can with justice lay , claim thereto. The first piece being ended, an interval of ten minutes succeeded, when some of the thirsty indulged in a “ wee drappie ”at the adjoining hotels. Of the Musical Interlude, the most prominent was the finished singing of Mrs Arndt—- “ Molly Asthore ” was charmingly rendered, and as might have been anticipated secured an encore. Mr Longhnan established himself as a first favorite amongst Cromwellians, his French song was thoroughly enjoyed. The reading of Mr Johnson, Solicit,nr. wm ill chosen—almost every one is familiar with William Allan Butler’s poem of city life entitled “ Nothing to Wear,” and whether the fact of the author having been a lawyer, and his moral instincts having been blunted by the Judges of morality, induced Mr Johnson to select this reading, we pretend not to define, suffice it to add that the audience were not pleased therewith. The performance was brought to a close by the laughable farce of “ Twenty minutes with a Tiger,” which was well played. The Chili Chutnee of Mr Jolly was especially good. The Club is to be congratulated upon their marked success and there is but little doubt on their next appearance they will be rewarded with a bumper house. We would remind the Stage Manager that the u°ual Press Ticket was not sent, although we have hitherto labored under the conviction that such was the accepted and defined custom.