AMUSEMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 222, 13 January 1911, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

LAWB.EXCE CAMPBELL. 1.1 possible, the audience attending the entertainment given last night at the Theatre Royal by Mr. Lawrence Campbell and his brilliant supporters was more enthusiastic than that which greeted them at the opening of a too brief season. The tnterUiinment is charming., educative and compelling for its artistic merit, in Mr. Lawrence Campbell, th» public possesses a man whose gift? are uncommon. His art lies less in its furnishings than in its instinctive appeal. He runs the gamut of human emotions, compelling his audience to mirror them. In his more ornate work Mr. Campbell is less masterly than in his interpretation of the simpler writings, expressing things, every-day sorrows and divinal feelings. Mr. Campbell, in short, is more compelling as "Enery 'Awkins" than «a Cardinal Wolsey—and it is better so. In Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar"—a wholly illogical poem, beautifully balanced and perfectly musical—Mr. Campbell succeeded in giving magnificent effect to a classic that does not deserve the notoriety it has attained. In the actor's story, "Not on tho Programme," the entertainer gave glimpses of his marked ability to deal in lightsome win with good material. In his dramatic work he was wholly convincing. M. Eugene Ossipoff again showed the remarkable qualities of his voice, but more vividly the musical merit of his method. In* Rubenstcin's "Nero," his coloratura was superb, the infusion of life into the splendid theme giving the singer an inalienable right to a high place among eminent vocalists. M. Ossipoff glories in 'his art, and whether in florid passages or those requiring careful Application of a wonderful training, is nblc to get "the last ounce" out of his work. Mrs. W. Shaw-Mayers brilliantly accompanied Mr. Lawrence in his musical monologues, and Miss Renee Lees, accompanying M. Ossipoff, added much print find piquancy. The audience was enthusiastic throughout the entertainment, recalling each performer. After one remarkably vivid success, M. Ossipotf was not permitted to depart be- , fore he hod conceded three extra itenu.