"THE OCTOROON."

Kumara Times, Issue 2928, 18 March 1886, Page 2

"THE OCTOROON."

The performance of " The Octoroon " last night whs well received by those present. The attendance was not what we should like to have seen, but in spite of this drawback the several performers played with an energy and earnestness which won for them commendation. The chief success of the evening was Miss Rogers' rendition of Zoe. She costomed with simplicity and taste, and played with a quiet force and pathos that frequently moved her hearers. The despair exhibited by her in the auction scene, and the resignation displayed by her in the final act when dying, were clever exhibitions of histrionic ability. Miss Howe sang with sweetness and effect " The Old Folks at Home," " Massa's in the cold, cold ground," and the "Sweet Bye-and-bye." Mrs Keller was a satisfactory Miss Sunnyside, and the Mrs Peyton of Miss Dunn was meritorious. Mr Raleigh's M'Closky whs a sterling piece of acting, and in the fifth act he attained an excellence rarely achieved by an amateur. Mr Egden's Wahnotee was picturesque and consequently striking, and Mr Williams' Salem Scudder was an agreeable surprise to everyone ; his stump speech was full of fire and determination, and completely brought down the house. Mr Thomas looked well and spoke lines of George Peyton correctly, and Mr Keller made an amusing Pete. The rudimentary roles were conscientiously supplied by the remaining members of the Club. The performance reflected great credit on Mr Gerald Dillon, manager, whose stage experience, patience, and knowledge must have been considerably drawn upon to accomplish such a satisfactory result.