AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1373, 4 July 1874, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

EOYAL ENGLISH OPEBA,

On Monday evening next the English Opera Company, recently from other shores, will commence a series of performances with Wallace's highly popular and universally admired opera of " Maritana," at the Prince of Wales Theatre, the representative character being Miss Alice May, who has achieved a splendid success in other lands. We notice that for this great occasion that the theatre has been entirely renovated, and a pay-office for dress circle erected up stairs, with cloak-room and other conveniences. The scenery in harmony with the opera has been painted by Mr Willis and his assistants. Ushers will be in attendance. Mr M. L Raphael, the general agent, has been most energetic in the interests of the Opera Company since he has been here, and has hit upon a capital idea in the production of an Entree Act, which will be issued nightly, and contain the programme of the opera. To relieve the tedium of intervals between the acts readings of a light nature will be introduced into the publication.

CALIFORNIA MIKSTRELS. There was a large attendance at the City Hall last evening to witness the wonderful performances of the California Minstrels, who are certainly the most talented among the several companies which has ever appeared in Sew Zealand. The programme was similar to that of the previous evening, and executed with life and spirit. The songs of Messrs Amery, Rockefeller, and Kelly elicited great applause, as did also " Essie dear," a sweetly pathetic song by Mr Mayor, and " When the band begins to play" by Mr Sutton ; Mr Rockfellow was very sweet in in " Sweet Home "on the banjo. This is indeed a magnificent feat, which requires tho nicest senses of both touch and hearing to draw forth such wondrous melodies as this skilled minstrel elicited from the banjo. The " Watermelon Man," not a highly classical performance, but still very taking, was performed with the usual hilarious results; also "First round for John." Mr Hermann was very graceful on the violin, and the whole finished with the lively burlesque of " Kill Trovatore " PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE. Mr Foley's very agreeable Magnet Troupe of singers and dancers repeated their programme last evening with success. The "Happy Pair," a lively little comedietta, was repeated and pleasantly received by a select audience. Miss and Master Foley were as interesting as ever in their character songs. The entertainment this evening will be given for the benefit of Mr Foley, when " Sam Slick, the Yankee Pedlar,' 1 from Judge Halliburton's work, will be presented. As this is the last night of this excellent troupe we ttust they wUI meet with a fair measure of success. TONIC SOL-EA SOIREE. The social soiree in connection with the Tonic Sol-fa system of singing for young persons, in which Messrs French and Bloomfield have laboured long and successfully, was held last evening in the school-room next to Mr Comfort's. About two hundred persons fiat down to a good tea. Ml* F. G. Ewington was subsequently Called to the dhair, and introduced the amusements of fine evening in a neat and carefully worded speech. The choir was led by Mr French, and sang " Let the hills resound," and other sacred and secular pieces, in a very creditable manner, tteadings Were sueceusfully given by Messrs Bloomfield, Graham, Wells, afld Dottll, and a most agreeable entertainment closed With the " National Anthem." POUSONBY HALL, „ The geand secular concert announced by the flou-fishing rMisical Society of Ponsonby was given last evening to a Wow'd£d audience. The concert opened with a beautiful chSrtiii from " Massaniello," which was rendered in a most effective manner. Several ladies were highly successful with their ballads, which were given in finished style. " Love's Request" and " Silver Chimes" were well rendered arid lotidly applauded. . The melodies upon the violiri were exquisite and highly complimentary t© the abilities of the Violinist. The chorus from "Ernani" was given with great credit. The second part of the concert ooncluded with a duet of a pleasing character from "Oberon," a'gtee ("The Captive Greek Girl"), "The Exile," "Sweet and Low," and "Why do I watch the lone, lone deep?" We iflay Bay that the doneert was, in every respect, highly creditable to the Ponsonby musical society, and shewed what may be done by constant attention under a skilful conductor such as Mr Mitchell unquestionably is.

I SIAMESE CIRCUS. This novel entertainment was very well patronised last night, the large tent being nearly full of spectators. The amusement I provided has certainly the merit of being varied. It consist of horsemanship and tumbling, in addition to Siamese juggling and wire walking. The performances are also varied in quality. Some are very good, especially the tricks of the Asiatics ; others are | very indifferent, notably the horsemanship I and tumbling. In regard to the last-named feats one of our contemporaries made a very i unjust reflection on Mr Smith's Combination Troupe when it remarked that ; the tumbling of the youngsters at the \ market^?" ~'i was better than that lately 1 seen at^f We must say that the \ preference in our opinion is the other way. H The bamboo balancing, ball and flying stick | tricks were the features of the evening, and I caused great astonishment. We are uucertain | whether the wire-walker is a lady or gentleI man ; there is a pleasing ambiguity about \ the Japanese costume which renders the disI tinction rather difficult. However, he or she I has mastered the art of maintaining his or her jf equilibrium under difficulties in an extra- | ordinary way. The programme is unduly I long. During some of the more lengthy I performances a. tendency to yawn was 1 noticeable in the audience. Mr South I last night took the hitherto vacant role $j °l down, and when we consider that the I jlno Uj 68t%1y n«w to this gentleman he

must be congratulated oi his success. We understand that negotiations are on foot for the engagement of Mr Foley in this capacity. This gentleman is well known for his talents in the funny line, and we shall be glad to hear of his donning the red and white. The proprietors of the circus would find it to their own interest to provide doorkeepers who know how to behave themselves. The individual who had charge of the stall entrance, last night does not come under this category. VlylAN COMIQUE COMPANY. The Vivian Comique Company will give a final performance at Onehunga on Tuesday next. Since the last entertainment the company has been much strengthened by the addition of Mr Harry Shapter.and others.