REVOLVING STARS.

Auckland Star, Volume VII, Issue 2032, 14 August 1876, Page 3

REVOLVING STARS.

THE ARRIVAL OF MR. AND MRS. J. L. HALI,

Auckland play-goers will hail with delight the return to Auckland of the well-known popular stsge favourites, Mr and Mrs "Johnny" Hall. These sterling artistes arrived by the mail steamer yesterday, and we are happy to learn they intend staying here for a while at least, and it is by no means improbable that they may cast in their lot with us for a considerable time. Those who have been in Auckland more than five years will recollect the time when " Johnny " was the lessee of tbe Prince of Wales Theatre, and the recollection Will bring back memories of the roles Which the talented couple made famous in those days. It is not too much to say that Mr and Mrs Hall are the most popular performers that have ever appeared in this city. Their talent is not limited to any particular line of bußines, and although " Johnny" is now best known from the comic pictures to be seen in the Occidental Hotel he was equally famous in such characters as the Mephistophelesof "Faust," and " Kip Van Winkle." Mrs Hall is a most charmine; actress, and invariably wins the hearts of her audience's by a natural and effective embodiment of the chaiacters she undertakes. We may mention as an illustration of the popularity of these artistes that while they "were landing from the steamer yesterday, the Lily, which had been chartered by Mr DeLias to convey the "Nell" and Giddens Company to the Thames, was jnst casting off from the wharf. Some one on board descried the well-known pair in the stern sheets of the waterman's boat, and the discovery was the signal for a burst of cheering. The Lily steamed up alongside and mutual felicitations were exchanged. We shall have a further opportunity of referring to rhe success which has attended Mr and Mrs Hall during their adventures since leaving this city. We understand that Mr Hall has gone to an expense of over £1500 in securing the exclusive right of playiDg some of the most successful pieces lately composed for the stage in Europe and America. MR PRATT. This great pianist, formerly attached to the Ue Murska troupe, arrives here with Mr and Mre Hall. Mr Pratt's talents as a musician are quite equal to those of Strauss Ula, and should he give us an opportunity of judging of his capabilities, we have no doubt; he will be warmly received. MR ALLISON. This enterprising impressario and caterer for the public amusement, was a passenger to Sydney by the Australia from America, where he has been on a voyage of discovery for fresh talent and the latest novelties. He has not returned empty-handed. With him are THE ROYAL ILLUSIONISTS, a company of four performers, who have been earning a name for themselves in the States by their extraordinary performances in the magic line. A DRAMATTC COMPANY is also on board the Australia, consisting of George Eignold, Mr Thome, and Miss Young. They are spoken of as "stars" of great brilliancy ingthe higher branches of the dramatic art. Henry V. is spoken of as their great representation.

BLONDIN\

By the Zealandia we get tidings of the Chevalier Blondin. On the 2nd July the great funambulist appeared at San Francisco, and met with his usual success, though he was unable to obtain any space sufficiently large for his performance inside tbe city boundaries. After a short season in 'Frisco, the Chevalier was bound for the Eastern States.