FOOTLIGHT FLASHES.

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 96, 15 July 1882, Page 284

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES.

_«>v_ — We regret to hear that tlie celebrated Maccabe has been so severely ill in Queensland as to be unable to appear. The complaint lie was afflicted with was inflammation of the lungs. — Miss Louise Pomeroy will shortly leave for India with a dramatic company. Among the members of it will bo Mr Arthur Elliot, who is now playing at the Academy of Music, Melbourne, — Kohlor's Waxworks -will open in Auckland on Saturday next. The exhibition is said to lie of a very interesting nature, containing fts it does representations of a number of -the celebrities of the da.y. The entertainment will be further enhanced by the musical performances of the Brothers Kohler, who are reputed, to be possessed of more than ordinary ability. — We are sorry to see that the habit t)f inaking a rush towards the doors of places of amusement just, as the concluding lines of the piece arc being uttered is becoming very prevalent. This is not only a direct insult to the artists on the stage, but exceedingly annoying to those of the audience who are desirous of listening to the finish, of the performance. We trust that this practice, which evinces the worst possible taste will be discontinued. Our remarks on this point apply to all parts of the house, the dress circle in particular. — Mr Thompson certainly cannot complain of the patronage which has been extended to his Diorama of the Zulu War. In spite of the numerous balls, parties and other opposition he has been subjected to, his exhibition continues to attract large andiences and to progress nightly in public favour. The views, particularly those which depict the horrors of the British soldier, as in the case of the defence of Rorke's Drift and the death of the two brave youug lieutenants while trying to save the colours, being received with loud demonstrations of applause ; but even a greater inducement seems to be the numerous and handsome gifts which, are presented in a light comedy style, which is essentially the proisrietor's own. In consequence of the number of children being unable to gain admittance at the matine^, it is Mr Thompson's intention to give another next Saturday afternoon, when the disappointed of last week may use their tickets. — The Ponsonby Rowing Club concert opened with the usual chair business, Mr G. Smith being the interlocutor. "A flower from father's grave" was nicely sung by Mr Tremain, followed by " Genevieve," by Mr Farquhar, which was much appreciated. "Razors in "the air" (comic), by Bones, pleased the gods. Mr Worrall gave with much taste " Lost in the wide world." • Mr Austen's song, "Queen of the night," was splendidly sung. The corner men, Geo. Gapes (tambo) and G. Stewart (bones), created great amusement with their songs, gag, and jokes. Mr Gapes' song, " Jersey dress " (comic), was well rendered, and "Going to name the baby," by Messrs Gapes and Stewart, which brought down the house,concluded the first part. j Mr Tremaiu opened the second x'art with " Frosty locks," which was well rendered. Mr W. Riley, in his silver belt clog dance, was especially good, and had to submit to an r.ncore. Mr Worrall then sang the " Midshipmite," followed by Fred. Brabazon, who created much amusement with his ventriloqualism. " Death of Nelson" (Mr Austen) was especially good, and he had to submit to an encore. The Mettaiil Brothers, in their song and dance, had to come repeatedly before the | audience. Mr Partridge's banjo-spio gave the audience a treat. The whole concluded with a farce entitled "The Darky Photographer." After which a select quadrille party was kept up with great spirit for some hours. — Mr Pooley's grand evening concert took place at the Theatre Royal on Monday evening last, and despite the very inclement weather which had continued throughout the day, was very fairly attended. A great musical treat we may say at the outset, was expected to be realised by those who braved the elements iv thoir determination to be present, and they were not disappointed. Madame Pooley, who was announced to make her first ai>pearance on this occasion, was suffering from indisposition, but nevertheless created a most favourable impression. Her voice is sweet and sympathetic and her songs had been well chosen. Mr Gooch and Mr Angelo Forrest have now become such established favourites with an Auckland audience that it is needless to say their individual performances were received with the usual demonstrations of approval. The fine band of H.M.S. Nelson was present in full force, and in addition to performing the spirit stirring march " Fanfare," composed by Mr Pooley, who himself conducted on this occasion, gave a very choice selection under the conductorship of their baudinaster, Mr Daley, from the operas of " Seniirarnide," "II Trovatore," "Pinafore," (which was encored), etc., etc. We quite agree with our contemporary, the Herald, that if the concert were repeated under more favourable circumstai>ces as regards weather, it would be certain to command a full house. — The Hall Comedy Company terminated their season on Wednesday evening at the Theatre Royal. Their latest, and by far their best, production, "The Guvnor," failed, as in the case of their other pieces, to secure anything like a fair share of patronage. " The Guvnor" is ail exceedingly cleverly written farcical comedy in throe acts. The dialogue is witty and amusing, and the complications are most ingeniously contrived. The acting was of the most satisfactory character. Mr Hall's impersonation of the deaf boatbuilder was cleverly conceived and artistically executed. His admirable make-up, his facial expression, and the rugged humour with which he invested the part combined to make Old Macclesfield the best portrayal he. has presented us with during the season. Of Mr Boothman we are pleased to be able to speak in terms of I praise. His per formanoe of the good hearted Frederick I Butterscotch proved what a really capable actor he is. j He looked, dressed, and played well. Mr Hesford, as the ! elder Butterscotch, is entitled to a high degree of credit for a careful, spirited and skilful representation of by far the longest and most nrdnons part in the piece. He acted throughout in a brisk and lively manner, which contributed in a great measure to the success of the comedy. Mr Teeoo was a good Theodore, but Mr Simnionds totally misconceived the character of Gregory, which is a Yorkshire lad, and should be played with the I dialect of that shire, instead of which he gave us a peculiar mixture of the cockney and the larrikin. Mr Welsh deserves a word of cormnendafcion for his amusing delineation of The Mac Toddy. Miss Jessie Grey played | Carrie in the same satisfactory style in which she renders all her parts, and when we say in addition that she dressed in perfect taste, and looked sweetly pretty, we feel we havo expressed as much as we could do in a couple of columns. Miss Ruth Grey, as Kate Butterscotch, was well cast, and amply fulfilled the requirements of the character. A great feature in her acting is her naturalness. Miss Crawford made a good .Mrs Maclesfield, and Miss Ford extracted all that 'was possible out of the rudimentary part of the maidservant. Mr Hall has announced his intention of returning in four months, when, we trust, the unquestionable merit of the company will meet with beter recognition.

At tlie "At Home," given by the officers of H.M.S. Nelson on board that stupendous monarch of the deep, last Wednesday afternoon, dancing 1 was indulged in. to the great delight of the many who availed themselves of the kind invitation. As a number were dancing" a polka one of the officers remarked to a citizen standing near, " How beautifully they all dance. So light and ethereal." " Yes," muttered the other, "No wonder, they're neai'ly all Garrett's." " Beg your i pardon," said the officer. " All Garrett's: Ido not uudestand you. " Oh," replied the citizen, " I mean the dancers have nearly all got boots on made by Garrett Bros., of Wakefield-street, who make the lightest, easiest, cheapest, and best wearing boots in Auckland." We have since heard that several of the naval officers of both ships have ordered boots from this well-known establishment, i