FOOTLIGHT FLASHES.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 233, 28 February 1885, Page 12

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES.

The celebrated poet, essayist, and freethought lecturer, Gerald Massey, has been delivering lectures to large audiences in the South, and is on his way up to Auckland. The phenomenal 'success,, attending the Tuesday nights- performance by the Waiternata Minstrels has led the troupe to repeat the show at the Opera House on Saturday nig-ht, and recognising what they owe to their indefatigable conductor, Mr Jas. Spry, the proceeds will be tendered to him as a compliment from the members of the troupe. The show is so good that in itself it is sufficient to fill the house. The Ward-Vernon season terminates this (Friday) evening, the programme being expressly laid out to bring forth the superexcellent histrionic powers of Miss Ward in the sleep-walking scene from " Macbeth," aud Mr Vernon as O'Callaghan in the laughable farce of " His Last Legs " ; and, as this evening has been selected as the occasion not only of bidding Auckland farewell, but also that of according a benefit to Miss Genevieve Ward, a crowded house is sure to be the result. Miss Ward and her talented company have most deservedly had a very brilliant and successful season, and her admirablydisplayed dramatic power, with her wonderful versatility, will long be remembered in Auckland, for without doubt it will be many years before Aye shall look on her like again. The Waiternata Minstrels — tho best by a long Avay that have ever made a local name— gave one of their excellent performance at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday night, in aid of poor Paul Purchase, who lost his right hand, the dodgers said, " by the Waiternata Minstrels !" but I think that must have been an error, as it was reported that the accident occurred in Brame's print- : ing office. Tho curtain rose on the darkies seated, 13 in number, in the usual semicircle ; and after a rousing chorus, Mr W. George did himself full justice in the pretty song, "When Father Comes Home Tonight." The comic songs were unusually good, those of T. Leedham (" Waltzing Round the Water-butt") and H. Hargrave ("Duck-foot Sue ") being the best. Mr F. Wright sang " When the Roses Were in Bloom " very tastefully, and Mr Guilding in "Mother's Grave" shoAved that he has a nice voice, but he sings too much through his teeth, and consequently gets flat at times. A grand tableau, specially arranged for tho troupe by Mr Theo (?), closed this part of the show very effectively. The second part was opened and closed by the Riley Bros., their first effort being a double acrobatic song and dance (Avhich Avas good enough to please the most exacting), and the second being a double silver shoe dance, Avhich, we reckon, Avas better than the best professionals we ever saw here; theii* time is perfect, motion easy and graceful, Avhile their costumes from head to heel defied criticism. Mr A. Bartley sang Pontet's "A Dream Within a Dream " very Avell indeed. Mr Hargrave gave "John, the Masher" very! takingly, and was encored, substituting "Rather." The hit of the evening, however, Avas " Napolitaine " (Lee), Avhich was beautifully sang by Mr W. Edwards, the new tenor, from Gisborne. The gentleman possesses a clear tenor of good range, and particularly sweet in the upper register. With training he has a good future before him. The Irish character song, "Vote for Rafferty " (Spry), was clevei*ly~given by Mr T. Leedham, and he Avas encored. A laughable farce, " Who Died First ?" brought the evening to a close. The orchestra of this clever troupe is one feature Avhich deserves a special notice. To one who really can appreciate a good musical performance, this orchestra, even when accompanying comic songs, fill the bill ; and of the conductor (Mr Jas. Spry) we can only say that he seems j at last to have found his vocation. His beat was decided, andhokepthis'perforrners well in hand, the time being excellent. The house was croAvded in every part, and poor Purchase will realise a handsome sum.

QUEER CARDS,

The advent of the Pollard Juvenile Opera Company is looked forward to Avith the greatest of pleasure by those Avho have Avitnessed the perf ormance of these really clever little people. The opening night, is on Monday next, and during their stay the following pieces will be produced : ' - Little Duke," " Les Cloches de Corneville," " Prin-

cess of Trebizonde," "Patience," "MadameAngot," "Girofle Girofla," and "Pinafore." Lecocq's opera, "Le Petit Due," is selected as the opening piece, and for the inf orn.jE.tion of those of our numerous readers Avho 'havenot seen this charming opera — brimful of mirth and humour — in three acts, we give a slight sketch ol the plot : The Duke of Parthemay marries, at midnight, LadyBlanche de Cambray, the marriage being, effected by the. bride's uncle, in order to secure a fortune. The Duke begins at once to make love to his youthful bride, scorning* his tutor Frimousse, who, incensed at the* Duke's pleasure at being rid of him, incites, the uncle to separate the young couple fortwo years, on account of the tender age.. The uncle sends for Lady Blanche, and takesher in a carriage to a convent, to the great joy of the old tutor, but Avho is being muchsurprised to find he has to go to the sameplace as Latin professor, his extreme ugliness being a good guarantee that theyoung ladies will not fall in love with, him. The Duke is informed by Montaland, his military instructor, that hehas been promoted to the rank of Colonel. Upon hearing this the Dukeresolves to release his bride from the Convent,, to which he lays siege at the time the young ladies are being instructed in a singing lesson by the Canoness, Avhich, by the way, is one of the most laughable scenes in the play.. Trimousse enters, and is bantered by the baroness and the girls, and on hearing of the siege becomes very frightened, and shoAvs. the Avhite feather. The Canoness, declaring that the blood of Henry Navarre Aoavs in her viens, develops unmistakeable courage. TheDuke gains admission disguised as a peasant girl, and obtaining the keys of the Convent, from Timousse, throws them out of the AvindoAv to the soldiers. Eventually the Canoness persuades him to let the Duchess, remain, and the Duke, Avith his regiment, af tei-Avards turns the tide of a battle by arriving at an opportune moment, and consequently finds himself a hero. As the officers had been found drinking when surprised by the enemy, and but for the Duke Avould. have lost the battle, the General gives orders that on the night after the battle thereshould be no wine. To the Duke's surprise the Duchess enters his tent, in a Aveary state,, having escaped from the convent. The Duke,. elated with victory and love, transgressed, the order about the wine, and being detected by the prying Trimousse, is ordered by theGeneral to give up his sword. He does so,, it having been broken in the engagement,, and after this humiliation is reinstated in. consideration of his gallantry, and alloAved to retain his bride. It is difficult for one Avho has not seen this clever company torealise the pitch of excellence arrived at by the performers, and the greatest difficulty is; to believe that these little folks possess somuch real operatic talent, and nothing canbe more effective than this charming opera, as given by the Liliputians, and everyone Avill endorse the remark when they witness " Le Petit Due " on Monday evening next.