THE BLACK FAMILY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 237, 3 November 1903, Page 2

THE BLACK FAMILY.

I his talented musical combination made their first appearance at the Theatre R yal on Monday evening. We have lately had such a plethora of drama and comedy that the public might well be pleased at a change of ooo*rtainm«nt, esptoially when itcomee in such a bright and pleasing format m provided by this clever family. There was a very fair audjcce, who manifested an enthusiasm *t,d d'light that •thould have gratifid th* tntertunen to their hearts coufent. With hardly an exception the items w.r« heartily ncored, and the entertainment seemed

to net as an invigorating breeze after a sultry day Miss Nellie Black e» plately captivated the audience with her charming singing and dew manipulation of the violin. Her eongfl *ere: "Down the Long Avenue," " Close tnose Dreamy Eyes," both of *bich were rapturously enoored, th« substituted number being " The fourleaved Olover." Her violin solo, ■« Oar» oival de Venice," was a nngnifiethfc performance, her trick playing, especially in imitations of various sounds, being marvellous. For this she dewy, dly earned a double encore. Hist Elsie Black's contributions were a long. " What do I care ?", a flute solo, and a Spanish dance, all of which were executed in a bright and artistic manner. Mr Bert Black gave a very fine ooraet *ifo. "Anchored." whiVh >u ln»ll>

, encored, He also danced a sailor** hornpipe in splendid style, the eudienoa insisting on a repeat, and subsequently ; phyed a variety cf novel and curiou* inntrumenrs, from all of which he produced music which astonished and de ighted the audience. Mr Black waa alfo very successful with his comio songs, "The duty tf a wife" and "Jock's Uourfcship," and in response to a persistent demand for an encore- to the former, gave a very amusing recitation, " How I envied McGinty." la addition to all this, there were two • xcellenfe orchestral selections by the -imbined family, a mandoline quarette, which was encjred—a pretty m irchbeingeuiistituted—andtwocomio sketches by Mr. and Miss Black, both of which were full of humour and * vivacity. Altogether the entertain! ment was a refreshing treat and thoroughly justified the high reputation which the family has earned on its tour.

TO-NIGHT I will be the last of tke season, and it it I a matter, of cartaiuty that those who | were present Kst evening and axpressed their deliglr in no unmeasured way, will apeak *o w»ll of the performance that the Theatre should be well filled. I is a pleasure to be able to coogratuht.n this couip iuy on their high attainments us entertainers,