FOOTLIGHT FLASHES.

Observer, Volume 6, Issue 137, 28 April 1883, Page 92

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES.

— Tlic Polks are in Newcastle. ; j — Gratlan Riggs is in Sydney. — Zulu Thompson is in Tasmania. —Pollard and his kids are in Brisbane. — Al Hay man is at the Bush Theatre, 'Frisco. — There are 3G characters in " Romany Eye." — Eugenic Legran, it is said, is dying from, congestion of the lungs. — Mrs Bland Holt is, we regret to hear, seriously ill. — Rignold has joined Allison as lessee of the Theatre Royal, Adelaide. — Lily Marsh was lately wedded to a N.S.W. bank manager. Lily says that now " the Ghost is sure to walk." —The manuscript of "Mankind" has been stolen outof Holt's dressinggown.worn at the Rcyal.Melbournc. — A London critic says that " scarcely a week passes but an attempt is made to get at him' in favour of some incompetent amateur who considers himself a born genius. — At the performance of " The Bohemian Grirl " for the bone lit of the 5.0.C., our Irish Italian Star of the future, took a prominent part in the chorus, that is he took cure his admirers should see if they could not hear him, though he is rather slight for the costume he donned. Nevertheless he looked very happy, and sang- when required some very good songs. — Miss Jennie Lee's " Jo " is a thorough realisation of Dickens delineation of the poor London cross-ing-sweeper, gaunt, hungry-eyed, and with the look of one who has been haunted by the man in blue. She brings out in bold relief all the pathos of the character, and srives to us who have been accustomed to the frecliviny and happy-go-lucky style of tho colonies, a startling picture of the sorrows of the poor in the wear and tear of modern life. The " Move on "of poor "Jo " has a more modern application in the telegraphs, railways, and the race for the almighty dollar of these days. — Miss Donovan's grand concert took place at the Choral Hall on April 19th, and -proved, as was expected, a great success— both as regards the large attendance, ii nd tho merits of tho performance itself. Herr Carl Schmitt acted as conductor in his usual efficient manner, and Miss Kate Donovan appeared as accompanist. Bliss Donovan und Miss Kate Donovan opened the concert with the duet for piano, lilou- • delssohn's " Wedding March," which was brilliantly performed : and during tho evening Miss Donovan nlso gave Weber's " Invitation to the Dance," and a fantasia oh American airs. Mrs Kilgour was in charming voice, and was vociferously applauded for her song, "One gentle heart." With Mr llhodes also she sang Balfe's duet, "Excelsior," audalso gave Jiobaudi's "Alia Snellii Confidoute," with obligato by Herr Carl Schmitt. Miss Sfcephenson was encored in her song, " When Love went out a-maying." The other performances were : the aria " 0 mio Fernando," by Miss Stauutou, and duet, '• I've wandered in dreams," by the same lady and Mr Edwards; descriptive. song, "The Fireman," by Mr G irdon Gooch, which was given for the first time in Auckland, and created such a demonstration that Mr Gooch had to reappear, when he gave "Will o' the Wisp"; "The Storm Fiend," by Mr llhodes; " The Villnge Blacksmith," by Mr Edmiston ; "The Yeoman's Wedding Song," by Mr Garland; and "Shining Stars," M>" Edwards; the whole concluding with the National Anthem.