THE FOXTON CHRISTYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume II, Issue 105, 27 August 1880, Page 2

THE FOXTON CHRIST YS.

The newly-formed Foxton Christy Minstrel Company gave a capital entertainment to a " bumper " house at the Public Hall on Wednesday evening last. Upon their previous appearance they took the second part of a Bowing CluL entertainment, and devoted themselves entirely to the IC chair business," but on this occasion they determined to cany through the entertainment themselves, and right well they succeeded — far beyond what was expected by most people. The Hall itself is not a good place for a Christy Minstrel performance, owing

to the defective appointments of the stage. The ceiling of the stage should be at once permanently erected, and the " drop " from the roof 80 altered as to enable the sound to go out into the Hall, instead of confining it to the stage. The Christys being a large company of thirteen performers, were compelled to sit in the form of a half circle on the stage, and the result was that a great part of the solo singing was entirely lost to the audience. The faults we have pointed out could be remedied at a very smali^ oost, and we trust' the Public HaH'Cbmpany will have the necessary improvements effected without delay. The first part of the entertainment passed off as well as could be expected, considering the difficulties we have pointed out as arising from the acoustic properties of the building. Some of the songs went capitally, including " Carrie Lee," " Brother's fainting at the door " (the chorus in this was particularly good), and " Belle Brandon " (encored), while the two comic songs elicited xoars of laughter, especially " The monkey's wedding," which was side-splifcfcing, and redemauded. " Brown's bought a horse," a story which consists chiefly of the title, and was capitally " done " by Tambo, brought the first part to a close. After a brief interval, the curtain rose to a second part, which, as an amateur performance, deserves the highest praise. In this part the talent of the company was unmistakeably shown, both as regards acting, get up, dancing, &c, and we confidently assert that very few professional companies give a better second part than the local men put on the stage. First came two items of opera burlesque, including the " Bain, rain " chorus from " Chilperic," which was most effective, the spectacle of the fantastic umbrellas, parasols, &c, vastly enchancing the success of the affair, which was heightened by the general dance which closed it. The curtain dropped amidst terrific applause, and a vociferous encore had to be responded to. Then followed the very pretty " Conspirators Chorus " from " Madame Angot," the dresses being absurdly funny, while the " groping round" business was very good. In this piece, however, the effect was somewhat marred by the footlights being left burning. Had they been extinguished, it would have been a great improvement. The next item was a sketch called " Wanted, an Actor," the character of the theatre-proprietor being taken by " Massa Johnson," and the actor by Tambo. The acting in this piece was really good, and elicited roars of laughter, though the dressing in one part was rather too "broad." The audience were in roars of laughter throughout, and the piece was one of the most enjoyable of the evening. The song and dance " Old Dan Tucker" brought out a gentleman who as a step dancer is a decided acquisition to the troupe, and a pronounced encore was given him, the same compliment being paid to " Josephus Orange Blossom," which was well danced. In both cases the words were almost inaudible, but this, as previously explained, was caused by the defects of the stage. The song, " Courting in the rain," in which one of the members " made up " as a blushing beauty was very well rendered, and encored. The performance concluded with " Love in a tub," but this was in places rather overdone, and much of the dialogue was lost to the audience through " Jemima Jane " and her "father" not speaking up. Despite the defects mentioned the whole performance was thoroughly interesting, and we hope shortly to hear of the Christys performing again. Before concluding, we desire to pay a welldeserved compliment to Mrs Davies, who accompanied throughout, and performed her arduous duties with great precision. • ' ; ••