ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 2991, 15 September 1891, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

Complimkstaby TO Mlts Hkli'S. — The concert and dramatic entertainment, complimentary to Mrs Helps, which took place here on Friday evening last, was the best evening's amusement that has taken place here for some time past, our local company of amateurs being greatly strengthened by visitors from Auckland. Te Awamutu and Otorohanga. Theprogrammo was a long one, and every item was faithfully carried out. The musical portion commenced with an instrumental duet (violin and piano) byMr T. Goodfellow and Mrs Helps, which was loudly applauded. Song by Mr Chan. Johnson " Gallants of England." Our old favourite was in capital voico <md his song was a great success. Song, "The Song That Reached my Heart," Miss F. Bowden, was one of the gems of the evening, and a perfect shower of bouquets and a storm of applause rewarded tlie singer at its close. Song (comic), " She Was," by Mr Harris was irresistibly funny.and had to be repeated to an undeniable encore. Hung, " Will of the Wisp," Mr Burgess, was another treat, the singer, rendering it in his best style ; the applause was unanimous. Song (in character) " The Language of Flowers," Miss Aubin. This young lady's song also fetched the audience, and at its conclusion n perfect shower of Moral offerings fell at her feet amidst cries of enthusiasm. Song, " Moiia," by Mr McGregor. This gentleman has a magniticient tenor voice,his song being warmly received and eneored._ The singer respondod bv singing " My Sweetheart When a l!oy," which was even more a success and fully appreciated. Duet, comic), " The Upper Ten and Lower Five" Mr 0. Bowden and Mr Harris, was another most amusing item,and took immensely, the get up of the representation of tho Lower live was a study itself. This concluded the first part of tho programme, amidst the cheers of the audience. Aftor the usual interval a comedy, entitled tho " Fortune's Toy," was played with the following cast :—Colonel O'Fipp (an Irish Adventurer) Mr George Miles ; Tom Cobb (a young Surgeon), Mr K Aubin. Whipple (a young Surgeon), Mr Cruickshank; Mr Effingham, Mr .7, M. Chappcll; Bulstrode, Mr C. Bowden ; Mrs KtKngham, Miss Bowden; Caroline, Miss Allan ; Matilda O'Fipp, Miss Finch; Penelope, Miss Floyd. This amusing comedy was played throughout in a most creditable manner, each actor sustaining their parts as to the manner born. That the principal character were far above tho general run of amateurs acting was the verdict given by some Auckland visitors. Messrs Miles and Aubin in their respective parts, were simply perfect.and the other characters fully sustained theirs. The young ladies also came in for their full share of applause and well they deserved it. Aftor another short interval the favourite tableau, "The Artist's Studio," was exhibited. The rise of the curtain was greeted with a storm of applause. The statues on the right and left were a most perfect illusion, not a movement being perceptible in either of the young ladies (Miss Stokes and Miss Harper); they were veritable statues. The pictures were also perfect, and reflected great credit on the stage managers (Messrs Aubin and Chappell). The pictures represented " Graudinama's Story,'' by Messrs Bowden, W. Rutherford. Reevie Aubin; a "Gypsy," Miss M. Bowden; Juliet, Miss Alian. The tableau concluded the entertainment amidst loud cheers. The usual enjoyable dance followed, which was kept up with spirit until 3 am., when all left well satisfied with their amusement.