THEATRE ROYAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3748, 28 February 1891, Page 2

THEATRE ROYAL.

THE BURLESQUE ALADDIN.

j It is some considerable time since the public of Masterton have been privileged to witness a more pleasing performance than that given in the Theatre Royal Inst evening by the juveniles of Grey town, and it is to be regretted that such a superior enter • tainment was not greeted with the bumper house it so well deserved. The clever manner in which the operatic burlesque was produced by the youngsters shows clearly that much time and trouble has been spent in its preparation. Under the direction of Mr J. Barnard everything went off without a hitch, the appreciation of the audience being demonstrated by its loud and frequent applause. The scenery, painted by that well-known artist, Mr E. Briggs, was some of the best that has ever been shown in the district, and by the aid of lime lights was seen to the very best advantage. The effect produced throughout was pleasing, the hall being appropriately illuminated with Chinese lanterns. The orchestra was an efficient one, and was composed as ! follows: —Piano, Rev. E. H, Wyatt; violins, Miss Wood and Mr B. W. Tate; viola, Mr L. St. George; clarionet, Mr R. Varnliam• contre base, Mr A. J. Barnard ; cornet, Mr J. Maguire. The overtures were played m a very pleasing manner. The cestumes worn were a credit to the costumier, and produced a grand effect. The various characters in the piece were ably sustained, the production being the more appreciated by the combination of the ludicrous with the sublime. As'Emperor,'Maurice Wood could hardly have been beaten, whilst as "Princess," Miss A.nnie Gallagher was the gem of the piece. The singing of this young lady was much admired, and her clever acting stamped her at once as a favorite. The part taken by Miss Ethel Wood was very, difficult, but was capitally performed. Henry Wood as "The Vizier," Miss Nation as "Pekoe," and John Bennett as "The Slave of the Lamp" were each successful in their parts. The eccentricities of the "Widow Twankay" (Mr E. Briggs) was provocative of the ut most merriment, whilst as "Abanazar' (a magician) Mr J. Barnard was quite at home. The scene which was admired above all others was that in which the jewelled cavern was represented, which, with • the assistance of the colored lights, produced a magnificent effect. The entertainment will be produced; again to-night, when it is to be hoped the audience will be large and representative. . .. - ■ ;■