THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB’S ENTERTAINMENT.

Kumara Times, Issue 1547, 12 September 1881, Page 2

THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB’S ENTERTAINMENT.

The reception accorded to our local Amateur Dramatic Club at the Adelphi Theatre last Friday evening may be taken as an unmistakable proof of the satisfaction with which the public regarded the efforts of the club in their first presentation just three weeks previously ; for, notwithstanding the unpropitious weather, there was a very fair house, and, we are pleased to add, a very appreciative one also. After the rendering by the talented little orchestra of Auber’s grand overture “ Masaniello,” the curtain rose to the highly popular French drama “ Belphegor, the Mountebank.” It has been the aim of the ingenious authors (M. M. Dennery and Marc Fournier) of this piece to show that manly and refined feeling, truth, constancy, and the social virtues, may be found in a condition of life where few would think to look for them. The first scene presented is a village in France, and the Fleur de Lis Inn, decorated for a grand fete. Gielin, the landlord (which character was sustained by Mr M. Maloney) is elected deputy-Mayor and announces that they are met to celebrate the feast of St. Boniface. Belphegor the Mountebank (Mr W. Warren), advancing, requests the people to “ Make way !—their performances have earned for them the patronage of all the crowned heads in Europe”— “ Asia, Africa, and America!” interrupts Fanfaronade (Mr J. Shrives) otherwise termed “Jack-Pudding,” whose grinning merriment was infectious, and whose countenance was a continual caricature. Belphegor is happy. Joyous faces and merry shouts welcome his advent at every town and village. If he is vain, it is of his pretty young wife, Madeline, (a character sustained by Miss Power, with much natural motherly tenderness and affection, even under the most trying circumstances) for whom Belphegor thinks nothing can be too fine; and when a stranger whispers in his ear that his wife is an heiress, and as rich as a millionaire, he becomes more affrighted than overjoyed, remembering that some mystery hung round the birth and parentage of his better half. As the Count de Blangy, Mr H. Hope acquitted himself carefully and well. Lavarennes, the impersonator of the Chevalier de Rollac (represented by Mr G. B. M'lntyre, who is always well up to his work, never faltering) is the stranger alluded to who imparts the information to Madeline, and he furnishes proofs. But the condition that shall be the means of realising these golden prospects were painful to reflect upon— Madeline must pass for the widow of an expatriated noble; and her husband, if he consent to separate himself for ever from his wife and children, shall have his price ! Arguments avail not; and the cruel stranger has recourse to threats in order to abduct the noble lady. This comes to pass; Belphegor is broken-hearted, and falls back; but by the entreaties of his son Henri—(a character wonderfully well ponrtvayed for one so young as Master J. Stenhouse)—he (Belphegor) recovers himself a little, they join hands and kneel to pray for Madeline; but with the effort Belphegor falls senseless. This closed the first act—a most touching and affecting scene, and one that brought forth from the audience immense applause. We scarce know which characters to admire most—all were excellent, and faithfully pourtrayed. The curtain rises in the second act to reveal another grand scene by our local scenic artist, Mr J. IJ. King; it is a spacious park. Before it stand the Duke de Moutbazon (Mr W. H. Raleigh), Count D’Arpigmd (Mr J. Carey), the Marquis de Couigemont (Mr J. Shrives); also Hercnle, the Duke’s nephew (Mr W. H. Jenkins), in conversation. The duke protests against the way in which the richer classes aie regarded by the poorer. Mrs L. J. Spyer, sustained the character of Zephyiina Petitpas, remarkably well. This lady gives a masquerade ball, when Belphegor and Henri enter in search of Madeline. In the sequel, Madeline and the Mountebank are re-united, and fortune makes them ampleamends for Madeline’s former blind freaks. Miss A. F. Rogers, as Mademoiselle Yernmndois, the Duke’s sister, acted her part well, and the minor characters weie also efficiently represented. We must not omit to

notice another grand scene—the Palace Chamber, with view of grounds, which reflected great credit on our local artist’s genius. A full round of applause greeted the performers on the conclusion of the piece, which, it is not too much to say, would have reflected credit on professional actors. During the intervals, the orchestra (Mrs Williams, pianist, Mr A. Miller, violinist, and Mr W. T. Richards, cornet) treated the audience to other choice selections, among which may be mentioned “ Der Freischutz” and the “ First Love Yalse.”

The after-piece, “ Swiss Swains” was also cleverly represented. Miss A. F. Rogers took the part of the eccentric Dame Glib ; Mr Shrives that of Swig, the Swiss peasant; Mrs Spyer, of Rosette (introducing the song “Thy Face”); Mr Raleigh, of Walter, the soldier lover of Rosette; and Mr Thompson the Burgomaster, Here again another good picture was revealed—a picturesque view of Switzerland, Mont Blanc in the distance. As we had to remark before, so on this occasion we must not omit to congratulate Mr W. Warren. Besides the arduous task of stage manager, he had a heavy part to undertake in the first act, and there can be no doubt the very successful rendering of the pieces were in great measure due to his untiring zeal and attention.

The playing of the National Anthem terminated the second very proficient entertainment of our local Amateur Club, who will realise about the half of a £25 house for their wardrobe fund.