AMUSEMENTS.

Evening Star, Issue 3751, 2 March 1875, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

THE PRINCESS THEATRE. The Steele-Keogh dramatic troupe after playing a short season at Invercargill reopened at the Princess’s last evening. There was an excellent downstairs attendance, but the circle was not wall attended. Tom Robertson’s comedy, “ Ours,” was the opening piece, and the older members of the troupe received a cordial reception on making their reappearance. Since the company was last here, the places of Mrs Walter Hill and Miss Lilly May have been filled b> Mrs and Miss Stoneham; but these ladies, last evening, had not an opportunity of distinguishing themselves. The performance was a very uneven one, the piece dragging considerably, and the prompter’s voice was too frequently heard. At the close of the play Mr Keogh came before the curtaain and explained that the unsatisfactory representation was not due to the management. Last week they let the theatre to Mr Case, on the understanding that they were to have the use of it for tq~ hearsal ; but they had been unable to obtain possession till that morning. Appearing, therefore, as they did, with a new company, and only quo rehearsal, he hoped that those present

would overlook any shortcomings in that even* ing’a representation. As the piece will be repeated to-night, it would be unfair at present to offer any comments on the different performers. Blanche’s extravaganza,- “The Golden Fleece,” in which Mis? Stoneham was extremely gushing and lively, followed. Miss Willis and Mr Clinton lent valuable aid.

THE HIBERNICON, Now being exhibited at the Temperance Hall is a happy combination of well-painted views of some of the most celebrated places and loveliest scenery of Ireland, and national music, both instrumental and vocal, the latter so well rendered as to form the principal feature of the entertainment, which, as a whole, is most enjoyable, and deserves to have a lengthened run. The views shown on the canvas are of Dublin from the shore, Galway, Belfast, Limerick, Londonderry, the Cove of Cork, the Giant’s Causeway, the Lakes of KiUamey, the Rock of Cashel, Waterford Harbor, the Abbey of Hollycross, Sackville street, Dublin, &c., and of each place a short but concise account is given by Mr H. Baker, who not only makes a satisfactoiy lecturer, but has a pleasant tenor voice, which he uses with much judgment in such pathetic ballads as “The meeting of the waters” and “The harp that once through Tara’s halls,” which he gave last evening. Mrs W. F. Baker has an agreeable soprano, which was heard to advantage in the duet with her husband, “ Flow on, thou shining river,” and Mr Baker himself, a tenor of considerable power, gave “The dear little Shamrock” in a manner that gained for him an unanimous encore. Miss Moran takes part in duets, and Mr Vemer is a good comique, with much originality. His “German Band” was irresistibly funny, and received an encore, while he fairly carried his audience by storm with his “Dunedin Policeman.” Lastly, there is Johnny Moran, a host in himself, who can sing an Irish comic song, step a measure, or twist the blackthorn as well as any man who has ever been in these parts. His dexterity with the bones is simply astonishing, and he is goodnatured enough to comply with the encores which came thick upon him. His “Old Apple Woman” and “On the Rocky Road to Dublin,” must be seen to be appreciated. Mr F. W. Cullimore is an excellent accompanyist.