THE HOKITIKA CHRISTY MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT.

Kumara Times, Issue 814, 10 May 1879, Page 2

THE HOKITIKA CHRISTY MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT.

Long before the hour announced for opening the doors of the Theatre Royal atKumara last evening, on the occasion of the first appparence of the "Hokitika Lilien," a large crowd of persons had assembled, evidently well aware that to secure a seat would require some dexteiity, combined with a cru«hing inconvenience, which idea was thoroughly borne out, as no sooner were the entrances of admission opened than the Theatre was crowded, or, to speak more com c; ly packed, with an expectant audience. Punctually to the minute advertised the Kumara String

Band opened the concert with the "Overture to Oaliph of Bagdad" in which the addition of another instrument (the clarionet) added considerably to the effect of the usual splendid playing of this band. A comic song by Mr Delves entitled "The Hungry Man," fairly convulsed the audience with laughter his make up in both characters being perfect; but his second song was very indifferent, owing to the high key in which it was commenced. " In happy moments," by Mr Etheridge, followed, receiving the appreciation to which it was justly entitled, as it was carefully and tastefully rendered. A comic duet, by Messrs Tilsley and Delves, in which as " preservers of the peace" they represented the beau ideals of the " men in blue," afforded great amusement, and in response to a unanimous encore another walk round and run in was accorded. The next item, a quartette by Messrs Eva, Harvey, Missen, and Spence, was rendered admirably, their voices blending both sweetly and harmoniously. "Schneider's Muskadeers," a comic song, by Mr Sugden, jun., was given in a manner that clearly indi-1 cateJ the Tenderer was in his element, and when, iu response to repeated calls, he reappeared and gave one little tune of " De Vatch on de'Rhine,'-' he exhibited an amount of humour that goes far towards making comic songs successful. The next item on the programme, a buffo trio, by Messrs Harvey, Vincent, and Eva, might be ju-tly entitled the gem of the evening, as not only was it most correctly rendered in a musical sense, but the action andexpression of those engaged therein conno small degree to its success, and also to the most enthusiastic and well merited reception it received. Theappearance of the "Rhumphtifoozlepbruni" family Messrs Sugden, Tilsley, and Delves, was greeted with shouts of laughter the " Perfect Cure" step and walk lound, beiug exceeding well executed, more especially by the " hiufant" (size 7ft. 2tn. over all) whose fragile aud delicate limbs appeared to advantage. The rendering of " Nancy as Lee," by Mr Eva. was a musical treat this gentleman, possesses capital voice, which he used to great advantage in whatever his part was cast throughout the whole entertainment. The first part of the programme concluded with the celebrated Conspirators Chorus (in character) from "La Fille de Madame Angot." in which the whole strength of the company took part the effect being greatly heightened by the use of i colored fires.

The second portion of the programme, after a well-played and choice overture by the Kumara String Band, consisted of " The Lilies at Home," and at home they evidently were, as speaking of them as a band of Amateur Christy Minstrels, they far exceeded even the ; most sanguine expectations that had been indulged in as to their talents prior to their appearance. Their get-up was simply " immense," and the perfect manner in which the whole of the solos and choruses were rendered throughout this part of the entertainment could only have been attaiued by constant rehearsal and assiduous study. The "comer men," especially "Bones," were well up in their business, although " Sambo's" over indulgence in eccentricities to a certain extent marred the effect of one or two of the choicest sentimental solos. " Massa Johnson," who was a veritable " Tiger Lily," conduced greatly to the enjoyment as the-key-note of the whole family, which by its vocalistic selections and humourous sayings kept' the audience in one continual round of laughter and amusement. The orchestra, comprising the following instrumentalists, Mr Pfeifer (flute), Mr Mills (clarionette), Mr Speuce (cornet), and Mr Gosson (pianist), by their efficient accompaniment tended to make the whole entertainment what it undoubtedly was, a success. During the interval between the two parts the Rev E. A. Scott thanked the audience for their attendance and asked for a vote of thanks for the kiud services of their visitors " The Lilies" and the Kumara String Band, whieh was accorded by acclamation The singing of the National Anthem by these dusky yet loyal subjects, who advanced to the front of the stage, removing their wigs, which good example was followed by the house rising en nwsse and uncovering, brought to a termination one of the most enjoyable and successful entertainments ever given in this town, the like of which has never been seen before and it is to be hoped may be often seen again.