AMATEUR CHRISTY AND DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 435, 14 June 1879, Page 2

AMATEUR CHRISTY AND DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Thu performance given by our amateur friends on Thursday evening, in aid of the Patea Hospital, passed off very successfully. Every available seat in the Hall was filled, and a large number who came late had to content themselves by standing. On the curtain rising, nine well-dressed darkies were presented to view, Massa Johnson making an apology for the absence of Brudder Sambo. This individual, however, soon made his appearance, coming up the Hall declaring that the show could not go on without him. The idea was a good one, and consequently took well. The overture was well received, but the opening chorus, “ Away, Away,” appeared to drag, and was but slightly applauded. Massa Johnson, whose musical talent and correct conception is generally acknowledged, led the programme of songs with “ Pa’s old coat,” which did not fail to please. The nest song, “Tilda Horn,” was fairly rendered, the rising generation being loud in their appreciation of Brudder Sambo’s efforts. The rendering of “ Itoses underneath the Snow ” brought forth a round of applause, the chorus being particularly good. “ Little Brown Jug ” followed, sung by Brudder Bones, and the back portion of the audience was as enthusiastic as ever. “ Break it Gently to My Mother ” was quietly listened to, and thoroughly appreciated. “ Kingdom am a Coming ” was not sung with so much effect as Sambo’s first, but the darkie who sang “ Call me your darling " had a good tenor voice, which was heard to advantage in the chorus. “ The Hen Convention ” always appears to please, and the “ crowing ” business took imraensley. The usual joke cracking was introduced between the songs, and Bones and Sambo the corner-men, with their conundrums, were to the performance what the cm rants are to a pudding—they certainly flavoured if they did not constitute it. After an interval of ten minutes, a duet between the violin and flute was introduced, but a want of practice was apparent. The gentleman who sang “ I heard a spirit sing,” gained confidence as he proceeded, and was applauded. The echo was very good. “ Kiss me mother ere I die,” was the best effort of the gentleman who sang it, and met with deserved applause. Mr Connell, who followed with a violin solo, gave his hearers a rich musical treat, he being a thorough master of the instrument. At its conclusion, the audience, which appeared to be carried away, and were so quiet that one might have heard a pin drop, gave vent to their pent-up feelings in a burst of applause, which was long and continued. '• Being recalled, Mr Connell gave a selection called a “song without words.” The instrument almost supplied them. . - Screaming farce, “Cousin Joes Visit, created no end of merriment, and Mr Sana Dixon not only acted, but looked the part he impersonated. Mrs Foozle, Joe scousin, was a “charming gal,” and Mr W. Dixon sustained -the lady character right well. Mr A. Haywood made the most of Mr Foozle, and we should like to see him in heavier business. ,

After auother interval of a few minutes, the old stock play—a farce —Box and Cox,

was put on the boards. Mrs Bouncer on this occasion essayed rather an ambiguous flight, and appeared aUogether out of place, but such lodgers as Box and Cox were embarrassing—very. Mr Deane as Box, and Mr Sherwood as Cox, acquitted themselves in a manner which deserved the warm plaudits lavished on them. In concluding, we must say that it is satisfactory to have so many amatuers willing to come forward for such a laudable object, and an Amatuer Dramatic Society would have our wannest wishes for success. The funds of the Hospital, rougly Slated, with the Government equivalent added, will be supplemented to the extent of £25.