AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 3193, 15 May 1873, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

queen’s theatre.

There was a fair attendance at this place of amusement last evening to witness the representation of the drama of “ Koh Boy.” Miss Aitken enacted the character of Helen Macgregor with great ability, and her acting in the last scene, in which she gratefully declines the offers made to her by Francis Csbaldistone, and prefers to remain in her native land, was a decided sue ess. Diana Yornoa found a graceful representative in Miss Anstead ; and the small part of Mattie was well filled by Miss Raymond. Mr Burford’s Rob Roy was, on the whole, a creditable impersonation, although at times he was inclined to be too demonstrative. We wera agreeably surprised at the manner in which Mr O’Brien depicted the eccentric and well-meaning Bailie Nicol Jarvie. His acting throughout was extremely good, and without presuming to say that his Scotch pronunciation was perff ct, still it seemed to us to be up to the mark. In the scene at the inn, where he worsts Major Galbraith and his companion by the production of the hot poker, he brought down the house. Mr Aveliug appeared as Ftancis Osbaldistone, and if this gentleman were to endeavor to display a little more animation, it would tend greatly to his becoming an established favori e. Mr Hydes’s Major Galbraith was played in that gentleman’s peculiar style; and, it is needless to say, ws played well. Mr South’s Dougal Creature, the faithful follower of Rob Roy, was a careful piece of acting, and he dressed well for the ch.vacter. Mr Thorpe made §. tolerably fair Rashleigh Osbaldistone ; but if this actor could contrive to modulate his voice, he would be more successful generally in his efforts. Miss Aitken and Mr Purford were called before the curt dn during the progress and at the termination of thi piece, and greeted with loud applause. The entertainment concluded by Miss Aitken reciting Sheriff Bell’s poem of “Mary, Queen of Scots,” and we can unhesitatingly say it was one of the grandest pieces of elocution we have had the pleasure of listening to. Tonight “Macbeth” will be produced, in addition to which Miss Aitken will recite Tennyson’s “ Charge of the Light Brigade,” and Millar’s “ Wonuerfu’ Wean.”

THE EMANUEL*ANDERSON CONCERTS.

The front seats filled, but a rather limited attendance in the other part of the hall, was the result of the programme put forward last evening. As it was the best house the company have yet had, so it was the best entertainment they have yet given; while the frequent —we had almost written unthoughtful—encores demanded showed that the audience thoroughly appreciated it. Miss Emanuel was in excellent voice, and sang her allotted pieces admirably. Shs last evening gave preference to ballads, all of which were rapturously received. So ’well did she give the specialities of the concert-vocal valse, “The Carnival of Venice” and “Sing, little birdie”—that we hardly know which to prefer. In the first-mentioned, Sir J, Benedict has reproduced for the voice some of those musical gymnastics which form the charm of the composition. There is a pretty introduction, followed by a succession of runs, trills, and shakes, which afford Miss Emanuel an opportunity of showing the great flexibility of her voice. It was deliciously sung, and being encored she gave “ The Parting.” Ganz’s ballad would have met with a similar reception, only that it was the termination of the programme. The operatic selections, “Casta Diva,” and the mad scene from “ Lucia,” were as welcome as ever. Mr A ndersou had some very hard work, tie played a fantasia on “ Somuambvda," one of Mendelssohn’s songs without words ; and Schumann’s slumber smg, for the left hand only, in add tion to Beethoven's sonata in E flat op. 3‘, JSo. 3, the latter being enthusiastically received. He also played two concertina solos. We admit they were well rendered, but that they should be so loudly encored, when choicer music played on the piano is rather tamely received, does not say much for the taste of his audience ; and, as we ‘think, is a sort of doubtful compliment to Mr Andeisoa, than whom as a pianist we have not heard better here, but whose concertina playing has been often excelled. In concluding this notice, we

i,ava .to the practice, '■jThi condemned, 00l or'living the hall [ while a sbrigvjs twing a#hg or a piece played. Those who prefer’ Beer to music, or those who wish to leave early, should not ;give annoyance to the performer and spoil the enjoyment of the audience, as was done twice last nighty-by crossing the room during a performance. On Saturday night the company is to give an entertainment at Port Chalmers,