ENTERTAINMENT AT ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2304, 16 April 1887, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENT AT ALEXANDRA.

(fromoua own correspondent.) Alexandak, April 13. The concert and dramatic entertainment fjiven here on Monday last in aid of the library fund was not so numerously attended as the affair deserved, as the amusement provided, thanks to friends at a distance, was of a first-class character. No doubt the numerous other attractions had a great deal to do with the small number present. Mr John Aubin presided in his usual efficient manner, while Miss Allan alternately with a part of the Alexandra band, provided the music for tfte dance. The following programme was gone through in a thoroughly artistic manner, to the enjoyment of those present The overture, piano, by Mrs A. Helps, was a most finished performance, time and expression being most marked. A glee by the company was rendered in a most spirited manner, and was vehemently applauded. The song, "Lost chord," Mr Hunter,_ was one of the songs of the evening. This was the first time we have had the pleasure of hearing this gentleman's voice in Alexandra, and we hope to hear him again. An encore was demanded and acceded to. The duet " Peace to thy spirit," Misses Allan and Scott was rendered in a most appreciative manner. The song, "That's where you make a mistake," Mr Chappell, caused roars of laughter. A call for an encore was not responded to, Mr Chappell bowing his acknowledgements. The song, "Wee'd Better Bide a Wee," by Miss Dillon, scored a success, being sung with great taste and expression. The song, "Golden Love," by Miss Steele was the gem of the evening, and a vociferous encore resulted in a repeat. The song, " Memory Brings No Dreams," by Mr Cowper, was sung with great taste. The song, "Waiting," Miss Allan, was a great success, and narrowly escaped an encore. The song, "Sailing," by Mr Hunter was so unanimously encored, that a refusal was impossible. A duet, " Convent Bells," by Misses Allan and Steele was most charmingly given ; and the song, " Yes 'tis a Spell," Mr Helps, was well received. An amusing reading by Mr Cowper completed this part of the prqgramme. After the usual interval, the amusing farce of " Lodgers and Dodgers," was produced to the intense enjoyment of all present. Mr John Ogilvie as Sudbury, in the first scene especially, caused roars of laughter, his acting being thoroughly realistic. The scene opened by Mr Sudbury found shaving, and a genuine shave it was. Mr " Sudbury," relentlessly—if not remorselessly—sacrificing his magnificent beard to the exigencies of the play. After this, it is hardly necessary to say that Mr Ogilvie's rendering of the part allotted to him was a thorough success, until the fall of the curtain. Mr George Finch, as the Uncle Plumper, had a character that fitted him to a hair, and he made the most of it. Mr Chappell, as Pate, made the most of a small part. Miss E. Wilson, as Julia, was bewilderingly beThis young lady appears to have a natural aptitude for the stage, "as to the manner born." Her appearance was greeted with rapturous rounds of applause. Miss Harper, as Mrs Stickers, was another success, although her first appearance on any stage. Her acting left nothing to be desired. At the fall of the curtain, a call for the actors was unanimous. An enjoyable dance followed, which was numerously attended, and thus terminated our Easter holidays.