THE OPERA HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 208, 7 September 1897, Page 5

THE OPERA HOUSE.

"DR. BILL."

Tbe amusing situations that are known to abound in " Dr. Bill :> caused a large audience to assemble iv the Opera House to witness the production of this farcical comedy by Mr Robert In man's Premier Dramatic Company. The continued laughter of those present showed how well the performance was appreciated. Mr Robert Tnnian as " Dr. William Brown " further evinced, his .ability as an actor of Ino mean order. Mr Harry Hodson did I especially good york in representing the fussy old father' -in - law, Mr Firman, and Miss Gertrude Esdaile certainly appeared to great advantage as the wife of the aforesaid old gentleman, and mother-in-law of Dr. Bill. Mr Scott Leigh ton! made a capital "Johnnie," being got up' ;in excellent style to represent the idiotic " masher," George Webster. Mr Horton, ; i Superintendent of Police, was well represented by Mr 1 lurry Overton. Buggs, Dr. Brown's servant, received justice at the hands of Mr T. K. Leonard, while Mr Alex A Ives took the minor part of Inspector -Jones. The lady members of the liiinan Company are all good actresses. Miss Maud Appleton played the somewhat dillicult part of Mrs Horton admirably. Miss May Granville appeared as the trusting young wife of Dr. Bill with considerable success, while Miss Alice May created considerable amusement as Miss Kauntleroy, the skittish young actress who reminds Dr. Bill of !iis bachelor days, and starts the funny Kangaroo dance. Miss .J. Thornton took the part of Ellen, the servant at Mrs liorton's. A feature of the Inman Company's performances is the excellence of the orchestra. During last evening the overture, "Volunteer" (Metre) was played by the orchestra, conducted by Mr .). A. Gardiner, who subsequently contributed contributed a violin solo ill excellent style, the piece selected being "Birds of * the Forest" (Saraeitti). Another item that, was listened to with evident appreciation was the performance of Adams' "Holy City" as a solo on the slide trombone, by Mr I-'red Gardener. " Dr. Bill" will be again performed this evening.