ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 179, 2 August 1887, Page 8

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

Opening of the Buffalo Mm

strels

It ia very seldom indeed that we have witnessed within the four walls of Abbott's Opera House a larger assemblage than that which was present last evening to witness the opening performance of Hugo's Buffalo Minstrels. Every part of tho_ building was crowded, and even standing room was at a premium. The programme took exceedingly well, and tho minstrels made a very good impression, and at the same time struck the keynote of a successful season. In the first part of the entertainment, the stage was fitted up to represent tho deck of the steamship Buffalo, the principals of the company being seated on the deck. In the background was a properlyfitted bridge, with several fair sailors at the wheel, while others were seated in the shrouds on either side of the vessel. The programme was a lengthy one, and every item was encored, while in some instances a second repetition of the song was not only demanded but complied with. The chair performance was tho most pleasing portion of the entertainment. Messrs.' Charles and Will Hugo were the corner men,. and Miss I'riscilla Verne occupied her old position of interlocutress. The programme opened with an introductory overture by the minstrels, and Miss Lillie Warren, who is the. possessor of a charming voice, followed ■ with the lullaby song " Papa's Baby Boy," which was very nicely sung. Mr Will, Hugo's comic refrain " Children, Gome Along," was well received, while Mr Alf Santloy gave .a capital rendition of the' ballad "The Old Rustic Bridge." Mr Paddy Maher appeared in a comic song and dance, and was more successful with his feeb than with his voice. Mr Walter Keen contributed a good nautical song, and Mr Charles Hugo made a decided hit with his comic song, " Raspberry Tart," which was twice repeated.' Miss Jessie Cleveland, who has a pleasing and powerful voice, sang the waltz song "Come Buy My Flowers," very acceptably. The first part concluded with a laughable burlesque of a Salvationist procession. The second part comprised dances songs and* sketches, and the best items were Miss Verne's in her lightening change song 3; Charles' Hugo in his negro funnyisms, Miss Warren's character song, and her admirable duet with Miss Cleveland, " In the Dusk of Twilight," and MiKeen's local song in which reference is made to Sir Julius Vogel, Sir George Grey, and Aitken Connell. The performance concluded with the farce of the Midnight Intruder. New programmes are announced to follow, and with the prices at 2s and Is and 6d the management are likely to have good houses throughout the season.