Tuesday's Entertainment.

Manawatu Herald, 9 June 1892, Page 2

Tuesday's Entertainment.

The complimentary concert tendered to Mr J. R. Russell, on Tuesday evening, was most satisfactory. The attendance in the front seats was excellent, but the back would have held more.

The concert was opened by Mr M. J, Ennis who played " Hanseranrit " in a masterly manner and at its conclusion was deservedly applauded. Mr T. Ennis then sang " Only once more " in hit usual pleasing manner. Miss Williams received very hearty and prolonged applause for her song " Ora pro Nobis," but she did not respond. Mr Cook followed, and sang " Calvary " splendidly and was loudly applauded, Mrs Young, who showed signs of nervousness sang " Golden Love " but owing to her nervousness wag unable to render either full justice to her voice or song. Mr Young's comic song •' Moriarty " in character as a police, man, and very well made up was he, met with a tempestuous demand for an enoore to which he responded by singing an extra verse. The duet " Home to our Mountains " sang by Miss McMillan and Mr Russell was the gem of the evening and in response to an encore they repeated the last verse. Mrs Cook sang " Pierrot " very nicely and the audience showed their appreciation by their hearty applause at the conclusion of the song. " For they all love Jack " is one of Mr Stanaell'ts favourite songs, and he did full justice to it, and an improvement was noticeable by the chorus being taken up by the other singers at the back of the stage. An encore had to be responded to Mis 3 McMillan sang " Old Madrid " in her finished style and in answer to the inevitable encore gave •' The Song that reached

my heart." This lady was evidently a great favourite with the audience. Mr Eussell concluded the programme by singing " Remember me no more." This we may remark was rather an unkind title, as we are sure that the singer could not wish his words to be taken id earnest, nor is it likely that his long and good record is likely to be forgotten, until this generation shall have passed awrfy. After an interval of ten minutes, Mr M. J. Ennis played the overture to " Just my luck." This farce is decidedly the best the company have ever put on or acted. We were delighted to notice the life put into all the parts by the performers. They have fully justified our prediction that past experience has been most useful to them. The ladies cannot be singled out, as Miss Ssanseli as " Lettia," Miss Burr as Mrs Muffington Crumpets, and Miss H. Burr as Matilda, acted their parts most naturally and lively. Mr McMillan took the part of Capt Dunn and looked the military man to a T, and also showed his thorough appreciation of his part. Mr Fraser as the unfortunate man, " Muff ington Crumpets," made the most of a difficult and amusing character. Mr Young as Run-em-in, the bobby, was a good make up, and he introduced very much fun into a small compass, Mr Potter has made a very great improvement and shows his capability of taking any fair part in a farce. The whole piece ran with life and fun from the beginning to its close. If any particular incident could be picked out in each character, we would say that Miss Stansell's listening to Captain Dunns yarns, and also her entrance after his suddenly leaving her, whilst out for a walk, were the best. Miss Burr's denunciation on the supposed artfulness of her husband was very good. Miss H. Burr's action in assisting Muffington Crumpets to dress was made the most of, and the ! scene between her and her mistress was very well acted. The scuffle scene between Captain Dunn (McMillan) and Muffington Crumpets (Alf Fraser), and also the chivy round the screen were excellent. The general finale, the hunt of the whole of the performers after poor Muffington Crumpets, and the unexpected discovery that he waa the husband father and master of the ladies was great fun. The stage was neatly arranged and reflects credit on Mr Fraser, the stage manager, The get up of one and all was very good and in this matter a great alteration for the better shown, in fact we can fairly say that the characters were dressed as became the parts. In conclusion we heartily congratulate all who took part both in concert and entertainment for the very great success that attended their efforts. The evening will be one to be remembered and cannot but be accepted as a very great compliment by Mr Russell.