GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1494, 24 November 1874, Page 3

GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS.

This far-famed circus opened last evening on the space of. ground adjoining the new Market-house, with every prospect of a successful run. The raiu came down in torrents, and people said the entertainment will be postponed until to-morrow evening, but at the time of opening, crowds, young and old, assembled at the pavilion entrance eager for the equestrian scenes, and very soon almost every available seat was occupied. Messrs Bird and company, therefore, may safely anticipate the patronage of the majority of the juvenile population of Auckland. With respect to the performances, we are bound to state that they were far above the character of circuses generally, very little inferior, and indeed equal in many parts to the well-remembered circus of Chiaruii.in which several of the leading equestrians of Bird's circus weie engaged. The first part of the representations were the liveliest of the evening, with the exception of Turpin's ride to York. The wetness of the evening naturally had a dispiriting influence, and was certainly against the performance, otherwise the entertainment would have appeared to greater advantagfi. It is not pleasant either to sit or perform under dripping wet canvas. Among the riders we noticed particularly the perfect feats of the " Young American" and Ueorge Gilham, which gave unbounded satisfaction. Senor Gonzales took the leading part among the tumblers who were all good. Mddle. Gracie's trapezian performances were really wonderful, especially when the lady's apparently delicate frame is considered, She held Gonzales by her teeth, suspended by a strap, in a marvellous style, and Gonza!es iv turn held the lady in like manner. Mr Seymour was recognised by the audience as an old favourite in bis established character as original jester and clown. He threw out a few of his witticisms last night, wLiah took amazingly with the audience; we presume however, that Mr Seymour is reserving his best bits for future and brighter occasions. A great deal of fun was created by Messrs. Hutohins and Turner, in a piece whijh has frequently been produced, but never w= believe with greater effect. One of the company made an apology on behalf of the company in not being in full trim for a successful evening, but this apology was not deemed necessary by the audience. A pauee ensued before the introduction of Dick Turpin and bonny Black Bess, and a general titter prevailed among the hundreds of anxious juveniles. Dick Turpin, in the eyes of boyhood, is equally great as the glorious highwayman, as Shakespeare was a great poet, and Bacon as a philosopher. This historical feature of the circus will be seen to greater advantage on a, fine night. There was a very efficient band in attendance, and in the present dearth of amusements we believe that the proprietors of the American Circus will not regret their visit to Auckland, but will have sufficient reason to prolong their stay. A grand midday performance will be given on Saturday afternoon, commencing at two o'clock.