AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 130, 1 June 1908, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

"THE EARL AND THE (fIRL."

Pantomime gave way to musical comedy at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday night, when the Anderson-Sheridan Company delighted a large audience with an excellent revival of "The Earl and the Girl." The incidents of the comedy, though departing but little from the broad lines common to this class of entertainment, present opportunities for delightfully funny situations as well as genuine amusement, which were realised to the full; and with the added assistance of a good setting, a strong chorus, and tuneful melodics — old favourites which still retain their popularity—the success of the piece was assured from the outset. Indeed, the production compared favourably with anything of the kind seen here. The story of the dog trainer, who is induced by the real holder of the title to masquerade as an Earl for one night only, and the many ludicrous adventures into which he is thus unwittingly drawn, are too well known to require recapitulation. The part of Jim Oheeze is one eminently suited to Mr. Sheridan, and his comedy work was. excellent. The drolleries and liberties taken by the irrepressible dog-trainer during his fleeting accession to wealth and rank kept the audience in continuous merriment. He was ably seconded by Miss Heba Barlow, who acquitted herself well in the, low comedy part of Liza Shodhum. his Cockney sweetheart. Her songs, which included the well-worn "Bombay," were well received. As the real earl, Mr. Thos. Curran did not have very extensive opportunities, but he sang tunefully, and played his part with a full appreciation of its humorous possibilities. Miss Marie Eaton, as "the girl," did good work, and her "Flower Song," helped by a prettily arranged chorus, met with well-deserved applause. Miss Hilda Lane, though she sang well, lacked a certain amount of vivacity in her role of a "sporting girl." Miss Stella Selbourne and Miss Flo Faning filled their respective parts with credit. The latter lady was associated with Miss Barlow and Messrs. Curran and Sheridan in the quartet, "Only For a Night," which was one of the best of the musical numbers. ■Several of the minor roles were played with ability by Mes3r3. Jas. Hughes, J. Hagan, Joseph Lanphier, and Walter Rieardo. An exceedingly clever performance was that of Messrs. Morris and Wilson, who are amongst the most skilful acrobats and tumblers yet seen here. The ballets were good, and the choruses strong, though the solos in several instances were marred by the loud playing of the orchestra. Taken as a whole, howeveT, "The Earl and the Girl" may t<l commended as an excellent production. THE OPERA HOUSE. The Opera House received its full share of public patronage on Saturday night when the vaudeville season waa brought to a close. The excellent entertainment provided met with the warm approval of the audience, and encores were frequent. Carl Brasso's daring feats of strength on the tight wire were a source of amazement. \'aude and Varna's uproarious burlesque fantasy, "Burglarising," in which they were ably assisted by Miss Brightie Smith, was delightfully ridiculous, and created! roars of laughter. , Mr Fred Bransgrove, Miss Lavinia Tyson, the Price Sisters, Mr James Opie, Hiss Urfghtie Smith, and Jock Willis, a clever Scotch comedian, all contributed to the evening's enjoyment.