THE FAUST FAMILY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1994, 19 May 1885, Page 2

THE FAUST FAMILY.

To say that the Faust Family is clover, would convey but a very poor idea of the accomplishments of the various members. Their feats border on the marvellous, and piie p.0i)14 almost fancy that Faust son,, like his namesake immortalised by Gqothe, had another Jfephjstapheles behind him to assist jiim in his acts. Their tumbling appears, to be sufficient to break all the buries in the body of any ordinary hpian being, and jfc would seen) that none bi)t a' nian made of leather or india-rubber could stand it. And there arq not just one or two feats that stand out above the rest, but from beginning to end, they present something which is far and away superior to anything of the kind ever before seen in the Wairorapa. If they were not performing gymnastic feats, they brought out something that was really clever in another direction. Their versatility was as surprising as their agility, strength, and daring calculation, Tbere was not a solitary item in the programme that was not applauded to the echo, nor was there one that did not fnlly deserve every mark of appreciation bestowed on it. The comic horizontal bar by the brothers Ted and Robert provoked no end of mirth. Their feats wore olovor, and their repeated tumbles on the floor such that it is a wonder the boards were not broken, Master Eugene earned loud applause for his National dances of England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is a matter of some difficulty to describe what was done by the musical and acrobatic clowns (Ted, Robert, and Eugene). Nearly everybody knows that the violin is at all times a difficult instrument to play, and those who have handled one must also be aware that it would not take much to break it. This trio, however, not only played remark-

ably well, but they: tumbled, rolled over and over, got on eacti ; other's shoulders, bowed on each otherV instruments, and did various other things, without missing a single note. Master Eugene wound up this part by holding the bow between Ms knees and playing most correctly by working the instrument up and down on it. Mr Waud is a master on the violoncello, and in the first part of the programme played "Home Sweet Home," with variations, to everybody's delight. Actors are, as a rule, rather fond of the statuary business, and we were, prepared to spend a dreary ten minutes when this item was reached. We were, however, most agreeably disappointed, for the grouping was perfect, and the attitudes most correct. There was hot a group that did not remind us of one or other of the most valuable works of art of ancient Rome or Athens, and one and all received the most hearty applause. There was, a slight drawback in the effects of the chemical lights, but it was not noticed. The acrobatic feats by, the whole family in the drawing room entertainment-were truly astounding, and so varied that the full effect can scarcely be realized without seeing them. Mr Waud followed tins with several Scotch airs, with variations, on the violoncello. The brothers Ted, Robert, and Eugene, then gave a number of beautiful selections on hand bells, prominent among them being the " Ding dong" which is the theme of "Les Cloches de Oornville." The "Risley" performance in whioh the brothers Ted, Eugene, and Victor, took part, was, perhaps, the cleverest of all. The two latter were kept oaYorting in the air by the former, who used only his feet to keep them going, Whenweaay that one of them occasionally performed a double or triple somersault, and then came down standing on one foot on that of his brother, which was projected to meet him, the difficult nature of the acts will perhaps be understood. Master Victor was handled as if he were a ball, and the little imp appeared to be enjoying his contortions as inuch as, the audience, A most amusing ptgminilg sketch entitled " The terrible infants," brought the performance to a oloso, Thero was a very good house, but we venture to predict that a large number of those who were present yesterday will not only be there again to-day, but will also bring their friends with them.