Miss Annie May Abbott.

Manawatu Herald, 26 October 1899, Page 3

Miss Annie May Abbott.

Regarding this marvellous young lady who makes her. first appearance here next Saturday at the Public Hall the Boston Herald says :— " It is doubtful if ever a more thoroughly enjoyable and interesting exhibition has been given in Bristol than those provided by Miss Annie May Abbott "The Little Georgia Magnet," at the •• Empire," during the last two weeks. Miss Abbott was the means of simply cramming the big " Empire " Theatre all last week, and Mr Leon arranged for her re-appearance, after his regular bill was made up and the printing was out Such has been the demand for seats that two special Matinees have been fixed for this week, yet there seems to be no diminution in the crowds that flock to see this truly marvellous performance, while doctors, judges, scientists, in company with the great audiences, sit in wondering perplexity, failing to marvel at what she does do so astounding have been the feats they wonder what it is she cannot do. Very many people are seen at the Empire that never attend the Theatre, drawn in to see this Modern Marvel. In most competition performances there are factions, some favouring one side, and some the other, but happily all yield alike to this, the "mighty" force, good naturedly, without dissention, applauding feat after feat, no matter who it it is that has competed with her. Miss Abbot is an exceedingly graceful and pleasant little woman,* quite at home on the stage, though becomingly gentle and modest, which is so charming in some of our American Cousins, Her dresses are superb and there seems to be no end to her jewels, most of which are presents from the crowned heads royalty and nobility, of this and other countries, before whom she has performed, and of that sort of thing, there is perhaps no other person that lives, or ever lived, who has done more. She has travelled all over Europe, Asia, and many of the islands, anrl soon goes to Africa, Australia, and' South America.

Miss Abbott has had her Imitators, like all successes, let anything be a success, and up jumps some one to have a try at it, naturally hers have all fallen by the way side. They can't do it ! That hers is a phenomenal power no sane man will defly. Yet, in her stage performance nothing is said about " Phenomenon " and that lends interest to the exhibition, one is left in total ignorance to torm his own idea. Anybody can go upon the stage to test the lady and scarcely is the invitation made for a Committee, then the Stage is .filled with aspirants from the best people in the house, eager to to test this marvellous little woman. What is it ? How does she do it ? are questions heard from all sides, but no one seems able to answer. Its a great attraction ! and a great entertainment ! Many of the mesmeric or hypnotic and thought reading exhibitions, etc, spend their welcome, but not so with Miss Abbott, Five years ago she had a marvellous run at the Alhambra, and created a tremendous furore in London. Yet in the provinces, but few people saw her and many never heard of her. We have just space to mention one feat that Miss Abbott performed last night. Eight men were piled up on a big strong, chair, two gentlemen, each hold an egg between her hands and the chair, in such a manner that she did not touch the chair, yet she lifted this immense load humanity, clear twelve inches from the floor, and then sent them sprawling over the floor, very much like emptying a basket of fish—^they wriggled and squirmed, while the vast audience screamed and applauded — the eggs were not crushed and the committee testified to the genuineness of the feat. "That's just one," in the words of her manager. We ask what is it ? Surely, a great treat has been provided to Bristolians. Bristol knows a good thing when she sees it. — Moral; A good attraction will draw even in Bristol. Miss Abbott can be seen only this afternoon and to-night. If you tiave'nt been go. If you have, go again. We have never seen ttie same performance twice."