KELLY AND LEON MINSTRELS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1499, 5 December 1878, Page 3

KELLY AND LEON MINSTRELS.

There was a capitul house at the Theatre last evening, when a change of programme was submitted. In the first part Mr Fredericks Bang a very pretty ballad, " Only a withered rose," in which he was successful. Mr Beaumont Bead's fine voice was heard_ to great advantage in anewaong written by him,

" The dying scout," which is full of excellent harmony. Mr Bead's voice is not only sweet, but has great range, and his composition brought out these two qualities very prominently. The refrain, too, is well harmonised, and was nicely sang with much taste by the company. Of the other items Mr Lester and I Mr Oourtright sang each a comic song, both of which were exceedingly laughable. An encore to the former's contribution gave him an opportunity of introducing a new instrument which he styled a "telephone." The muric produced was peculiar, but still funny. The finale, arranged by Mr Beaumont Read, introduced the songs of various birds. The melodies composing it have been vory skilfully interwoven so as to bring out the particular notes of the birds imitated, and it was loudly applauded. Leon's song, "The girl in advance of the times," was encored, as it deeerved, his singing and deportment on the stage being truly wonderful in its truthful imitation of a young lady of gushing tendencies. In response to the encore, he sang a medley song, which was again encored, when he gave an imitation of lima di Murska in the finale to "La Sonnambula." The farce of a " Good Night's Rest " afforded that cl-vor comedian Japanese Tommy an opportunity of displaying his wonderful agility in the part of a monkey. His make up was exeollent, and the manner in which he played off several tricks on the uufortunate traveller ludicrous in the extreme. The other parts were well filled by Mr Surridge and Mr Lester. The next item on the programme was a quartette, " Awake, JEolian Lyre," in which Messrs Road, Fredericks, Ball, and Kelly appoared. The voices harmonised very nicely, and in response to an encore they sang "Evening " very well indeed. Mr Oourtwright introduced one of his specialities, and then gave an exhibition of his talent in a song, with drum accompaniment, which was exceedingly funny. The item of the evening was, however, the farce of "The Belles of the Kitchen." In this Messrs Leon, Surridge, Lester, Kelly, and Courtwright took part. Mr Kelly was exceedingly good in his dramatic recitals. Albeit they were mixed in such a humorous manner as slightly to puzzle the dramatic student. He also sang the part of Manrico in the grand duo " Ahche la morte," excellently. As Leonora, in the same piece, both as regards appearance and singing of the music, Leon compared favorably with many prima donnas who have visited us. Mr Surridge as Lueinda, Mr E. Lester as Barbara, and Mr Oourtright as Wiggins, made the fun fast and furious. The dancing of Mr Oourtright in the ballet scene was indescribably funny, and altogether, the whole piece was a most decided success. The same programme will be repeated to-night.