FOXTON CHRISTYS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 20, 9 November 1880, Page 2

FOXTON CHRISTYS.

Tho Fox ton Christy Minstrels gave their entcrtiinmenr. on Friday evening laxt, at the Public H ill, and though the weather was vt'ry blu^tory, thor' was a good house. The performance commenced with the " Ma>ri(j Gaop," playel as an overture by the oiciiestvi. bui. owing to tho Umboriue pi tyer b-in^ s"ftt' « in tho front of the Btage, vvfiilo th j piauiab 1 and I'iolinists.W'ie placod w 11 towards the bai:k, only iv tho soft p 88i>r*8 could the music bo heard to tho best iidvHUt.ge It would be well if in future somo iivraagwiant could bo made by w!m;h thu orchi'sira could be placed close' 1 together, as th^ overture was a really interesting feature of the entertainment. Mr Shore led off the choral business with " Still I loye thee," well rendered, -whHo "Sweet Grenevieyo" grave Mr Orter th« opportunity of displaying to advantaj?" his flue baritone voice. Mr J. Collins (Bones) fallowed with a serio-comic song, " C»rry the news to Alary," winding up with a v<we containing Home local hits at two w 11 - known butchers, which evidently amused the audience. \lr J. Russell (Johnson) thsn sang " Where are the friends of my youth " in good style, though tho antica of Bonot, who persisted in tho mo^t absurd drolleries during the song, rather distracted the attention of the audienre The feature referied to was slightly overdone on Friday evening, and should in future bo toned down a little. Mr Jenl-» tang " Gntheriug up shells " in a style that gained considerable applause, while Mr Connor achieved great success by the way in which he sang, " Thou art ever in my dreimi, little darling." The audience showed their appreciation by a vociferous encore, in response to which the last veno was repeated. Mi- Tansley, who possesses a pleasing though not very powerful voice, gave "Speak to me" with appreciation, aud was followed by Mr Howe iv •' When my baud begins to play," a serio-comio song, capitally sung and acted. A deter* mined encore rewarded Mr Howe, who repeated the last verao. Mr Symons then gave "Lilly Dale," and scored a point by his excellent rendering of it. The fist part of the entertainment: concluded with " All round the World," iv -which the company was supposed to visit different countries, sinking the national song of each, but though the acting was very amusing, there was room for improvement in tho wa)' somo of tho songs were sung ; in fact, both the singing and the •' arouping" of the flug-beareas Bhowed a lack of practice, which detracted from the success of this poition of the entertainment. During the first part the usual jokes, local hits, &0., were interspersed. Some of these wee very amusing, and caused hearty laughter, but the luck of a clear and decided enunciation was noticeable on the part of the jokis's, thus spoiling some of the fun. The two corner men would do well to turn their faces to the audience when they speak instead of to " Mr Jobnßon," or to one another. Th • second part opened with tho •' Overland Mail " Galop, played by the orchestra, •'omprisiujf piano, cornet, two violins, and triiiu»{le, aud went very well indeed Following this was an amusiug burlesque on the " Anvil chorus " from " II Trovatoro." Hi is was exceedingly effective, the ringing sound of the anvil keeping time to the voices, while the comicalities. of; ;Mr Howe, who nct'-d as keeper of the forge, brought town the house. Tho piece was redemau'jed. Mr Connor followed with a comic •• mg, i: She laughed behind her fan," and was again encored, a similar honor being conferred upon Messrs Burr and Gray, who <;ivo a humorous duet," Comical Courtship." •tir [Jnrr's get up as a "dusky charmer" being exceedingly «• taking," and the polka »virh which the happy pair regaled themselves be'ween each verse will execnted. \lr Howe then gave a stump speech, but was rather too far back on the !>tiue for tho audience to be able to catch everything that was said. His speech apptarcd to be full of local hits, and when the (Juris- ys give another enteitaiument it is to hoped Mr Howe will again mount the •' stump," but bring it nearer to the front of the stage. .Messrs Jenks and Wilson •*iiinuil an encore b}' their very successful doubio sonar and dunce, " Sweet Camellia May," aiid Mr Carter gave in good voice and style, " Kxoelsior." The entertainment oouuludsd with a very absurd farce. " Put up your I'huuib," the chief characters being sustained by Afessra Howe and J. -Russell. Llie burdeu of the actiug fell upon the former, and riaht well Mr Howe icquitted himself ; in fact, ho shoWd very meat talent as a comic actor. Throughout tho eveniug the audience repeatedly testified their appreciation by hearty appl iuse. Mrs Davies acted as uccompanist throughout tho entertainment, and did her duties with great precision. TuKen as a whole, the entertainment, though rather long, was above the average merit of amateur entertainments of its class, and in some respects worthy of comparison with travelling companies. The funds of the .\laniiwatu Rowing Club will •ecoivo substantial additions through the entcrlaiumcnt.