ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8063, 20 March 1906, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

, * "BILL ADAMS." " Superb scenery," was the first remark when the curtain rose on the whimsical, and supremely ridiculous extravaganza "Bill Adams," at the Theatre Eoyal ou Monday. And superb as it was, it was not oue whit more pleasing than any other portion of the staging, the whole production being an absolute triumph. The story, bold in its conception, was interpreted with exceptional ',skill and vigour, and the multitudinous ludicrous situations, subtle sarcasm, piquaut humour, and boisterous hilarity were features that made the play a " laughing suceess." There was little continuity at times, but what mattered that, when the break was made by some of the best comcdia.is the colony has seen, and when tlie public were being treated to dancing and limelight effect such as is sellom witnessed here. The " 'ero," Bill Adams, was a marvellous character and out of the most versatile comediaus that has trod the local boards. This successful character (Mr Edward Lauri), scored equally woll in all his turns, the duets with Miss May Beatty being "just the thing," whilst his " patter" was excellent, introducing good local " gags." Miss May Beatty was at her best as Margot, the maid of the inn, and her dancing, drollery, aud excellent solos placed her higher than ever in the eyes of New Plymouth admirers. "Polly's a Pippin," "My Irish Molly," were line items, bat were eclipsed by the spectacular effect of "Tommy's a Dandy," I lie audience waxing enthusiastic. Mr McNaufihtou, us "Brussels Sprouts," made hilarious fun, and carried through with conspicuous success some very difficult sii nations, besides giving some novel dancing and some iine comic singing. Miss May Garstang crowned a successful part with " Moon, Moon," and was also rightly applauded for her duet with Mr Charles Albert, an item which served to introduce a novel and intricate piece of step-dancing by the Utter. To Mr Reeve was entrusted " A Dream of Love," a number which brought out the best points of a rich biritonc Choruses aud spectacular effects throughout the evening bore Mr George Stephenson's trade-mark for excellence, aud the orchestral overtures and accompaniments were above ordinary merit. Prom opening to close was oue long merry laugh.

A MOORISH MAID. (.i real interest is being taken in the above production by Mr George Stevenson's Company to-night. No comic opera of late years has caused so great a sensation, especially as the piece has been written by two New Zealanders, Miss (Bosnia Buckmaun, the celebrated soprano, has been specially engaged for this production. Her beautiful voice caused quite a sensation in Auckland when the piece was produced last week. Mr Leslie Hill, one of New Zealand's liuest tenors, takes a leading part, and is said to possess a voice of rare rauge and rich quality. The dressing and scenery will be on a most complete scale, and the orchestra will be strengthened by the arrival from Wellington of five first class musicians, To-morrow night, the last night, "The Dandy Doctor " will be staged.