ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1901, 29 March 1880, Page 3

ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

The Arethusa Star Company gave the opening performance on Saturday evening at this Theatre to a fair house. The piece selected was “ Formosa,” and the manner in which it was played and put on the stage reflected credit on the management. As already stated the company includes many performers well known to Christchurch theatre goers, and each of them, especially Mrs Walter Hill, Miss Nye, Miss Arethusa May, and Mr Burford, received a hearty welcome on making their appearance. Mrs Hill played the part of Formosa with care and spirit, making all the points, and rendering the part with great success throughout. Miss Bessie Vivian as Mrs Boker made quite a hit in the part, entering most thoroughly into the humor and fun of the character. Miss Arethusa May and Mies Hettie Lambretto were good in their respective parts of Nellie Saunders and Edith Burroughs. Mr Burford was Major Jorum, and though lacking somewhat the unctuous rascality with which Mr Hoskins has invested the character, gave a very creditable rendering of it. Mr Tyrrell, who has made a great advance in his profession since he was last here, played Tom Burroughs naturally and well. Mr Clinton, who is inseparably connected with theatrical villains, was a good Compton Kerr, and Sam Boker the “ Unbought and the Undefeated ” found an able representative in Mr Musgrave. Miss Jennie Nye had not much to do as Lord Eden, but did that well; and Dr. Doremus was carefully played by Mr J. Hoare. The remainder of the characters were well filled, and the piece went very smoothly. The scenery by Mr Willis was very good. This evening the company will aenin appear.