THE COLLEEN BAWN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 3023, 28 November 1891, Page 2

THE COLLEEN BAWN.

The second performance of Dion Boucicault's Irish drama, The Colleen Bawn, was given by tho Hamilton Amateur Dramatic Company in the Hamilton Public Hall on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance, every part of the hall being filled, although not to tho same oxtent as on tho first night. Soins of the characters having been dealt with in our previous notice, we now notice the others. Mr T. Slade, as Squire Corrigan, had a part not at all easy to piny, and one that was not likely to gain him favour with the audience. Frequent signs of disapprobation on their part, however, showed that he was acting well up to his lines. Father Tom (Mr T. B. Fleming), attired in his sombre raiments, looked and acted tho part of the parish priest to porfeotion, his intonation being clear, aud distinct, and clerical in the extreme. The character of Kyrle Daly, tho old college chum of Hardress Cregan, taken by Mr George Parr, showed careful study, tho lines boing perfect, and the personation of the Irish gentleman—both as regards acting and dress (the Dundready style)—typical. Since his appearance in the Shaughraun this gentleman has acquired the brogue which he used with effect, and the " roll," peculiar to all nautical men, was noticeable in all his movements. His love-making with Miss Chute was perfectly irresistible, and in re d lite we do not think Miss Chute could have been adamant so long. Mr J. C. Salmon, as the pettifogging attorney Bertie O'More, had very littlo to do, but did that little well. We cannot pass on to deal with the ladies without again referring to Miss Cooinhes, who took the part of Mrs Cregan. This young ladv sustained the character of the stately Irish matron with grace. This was one of the characters of the piece. Miss Cooinbes has a striking st;>go appearance, and at once became a favourite with the audience, who evidenced their appreciation of her rendering of the character with rounds of applause and floral tributes. Miss Manning made her debut on the Hamilton stage as Sheelah, Danny Mann's m ither, her impersonation of the Irish peasant being roalistic. She made several food hits, which took immensely with the audience. The charming Miss Chute was faithfully pourtrayed by Miss Salmon, who fully deserved the title of Colleen Rnadh—or charming lady—bestowed on her by tho peasants. Although this was Miss Salmon's first appearance, her acting was noticeable by the absence of nervousness, which is so uften found in amateurs. Her enunciation was clear, and her acting evidenced very careful study. Each evening the music d portion of the entertainment was supplied by a string band, consisting of piano, four violins, cornet and 'cello, under the c inductorshin of Mr S. Meachem, The pieces played however showed evident want ot practice, the shades of tone being utterly disregarded and iu one piece the various parts got considerably mixed. The music lacked the filling in parts, the absence of the second violins and viola being especially noticable, aij there were three of the violins playing the first part which completely smothered the remaining one and the cello. We would advise the members to note this on future occasions, Too munh cannot, be said of the .scenery and the inannor in which the piece was staged. The successful performances of " Rob Roy," and "Tho Shaughraun,' 1 had earned for Mr James Reid, the energetic stage manager, no little kudos, but on this occasion ha fairly excelled himself and at the conclusion of the last act on Thursday night he was called before the curtain, his successful efforts securing him rounds of well merited applause. It says much for his ability and perseverance that not a hitch occurred during either evening, a consummation not easily attained when dealing with amateurs. The scenery from the brush of the scenic artist, Mr Neville Thornton, was as perfoct as human hands could make it and several of the scenes were loudly applauded. The most notrceable was that of the Lakes of Killarney, the colouring of the water and the shading ot the shores being true to nature. In the scene where Danny Mann attempts to murder the Colleen the scenic effects were excellent, the rippling of the waves and the movement of the boat in which they rowed to the island being very realistic. We feel sure the company must be perfectly satisfied with the success of this their latest effort, and when they essay another piece may rest assured that the public will not be sparing of their patronage. Several of the members who appeared on the stage in this piece for the first time showed considerable ability, and with a little more schoooling and confidence will become a credit to the company. The funds of the library will receive a very welcome addition, and tho thanks of the subscribers and committee are due to tho company for giving these performances in aid of the institution. On tho first night £25 13s, and on the second £12 1 Is was taken, making a total of £4$ 7s, but as the accounts have not all been made up as yet we aro unable to say the exact amount which will be handed over, but it will be about £I °-