THE CHICAGO MINSTRELS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 246, 5 February 1877, Page 2

THE CHICAGO MINSTRELS.

We were both surprised and pleased to see such an excellent attendance at the Masonic Hall on Saturday evening, for. notwithstanding the continuous downpour of rain which prevailed, the house was filled' in every part. True to the promise made, the programme—a most attractive one—was entirely new, not a single item being presented which had been given on previous occasions, excepting Sir Henry Bishop's magnificent quartette, "What Shall He Have that Killed the Dear ?" which was given by special request, and securtd, as on previous occasions, a vociferous encore. Another very excellent feature in the entertainment is that each night there is a fresh stock of conundrums, witticisms, and local hits, all of which are rbally good, and never degenerating into vulgarity. Mr. Wallace was as amusing as ever, and in his character song and dance of " Old Uncle Ben," his contortions and eccentricities fairly brought down the house. We must, however, point out where two changes might be made with eS'ect. Decidedly the most attractive portion of the programme is the opening part of the vocal concert, and the magnilicently-rendered ballads and plaintive caorii3ttS might well be lengthened by a few additional items. In the next place, we might suggest to the gentleman who plays tue wind-instrument that at times tue accompaniment is far too loud, and fairly drowns the vocalist. We are quite sure that in a solo, the merits of the musician could be thoroughly appreciated by the audience, but, generally speaking, aecompanyists forget that their labors should be but secondary, and not leading, a mistake which was painfully patent on Saturday night. Mr. Uary sang in excel ltii: s:,ie "Hocked in the Cradle of the" Deep," and indeed it were invidious to particularise where all were so good. To-night is to be the last appearance of the Troupe, and we are given to understand that a monster programme is in preparation. Should the weather prove propitious, we expect to see a bumper house, as those who have seen the Minstrels once are sure to go again, and those who iiave not should' not lose this last opportunity.