THE U.S. MINSTRELS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1236, 19 February 1878, Page 2

THE U.S. MINSTRELS.

This troupe g&ve their opening performance last night, at the Colonist’s Hall, Lyttelton. Thanks to the admirable management of Mr Lingard, the agent, the house was literally crammed, money having to be refused at the door, and, we are happy to say, that none of those preseut evinced the smallest disappointment at the entertainment provided, but, on the contrary, by their applause, testified how glad they were they had come. As is usual when there is a large house, the performers did their work with the greatest spirit. The first part of the programme consisted of the usual chair business, “ Kiss me Mother,” a new Christy song given by Mr Campbell, and “Wake us at dawn” by Mr L. Braham, being the most noticeable items. Messrs Hudson and Holly, the corner men, kept the game alive, and Messrs Rockefeller and Amery sang very pleasingly. This part conclu led with a sketch called “An invitation from the Emperor,” in the course of which same patriotic sentiments were loudly applauded. The second part commenced with instrumental selections, by a very creditable band, after which Mr Holly danced a jig to the music of Mr Eockefeller’s banjo. Next came the vocal quartette, “ Crown’d with the tempest.” This was excellently rendered by Messrs Braham, Rockefeller, Campbell, and Amery, the voices blending exquisitely and the accompaniment being capitally played. The only fault to be found was that both voices and instruments were too loud for the hall, a defect which will of course disappear in a larger building. A clever performance on the single and double whistle by Mr Lingard came next, followed by the amusing sketch, “He would be an Actor,” Songs by Messrs Amery and Braham, and an absurd song and dance, “ Our Eather sold Charcoal,” given in the most ridiculous manner by Messrs Hudson and Holly, and enthusiastically encored, came next, the evening’s fun concluding with the sketch, “ Thompson’s dead,” in which Mr Hudson was irresistably funny. The company appear at the Q-aiety to-night.