AMUSEMENTS.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4455, 5 December 1871, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

< Theatre It oval. — Boncicault's sensational drama entitled "Pauvrette" was played Jast night, with one of the best casts we have witnessed in this city. The part of Pauvrette, tho heroine of the drama, was taken by Miss Clara Stephenson, an actress, in seriou3 drama, of merit. Possessing a commanding figure, a fine voice, a good delivery, and a thorough knowledge of stage business, this lady will be found a great acquisition to the Auckland boards. We have often had occasion to admire Miss Stephenson's histrionic powers, but it is seldom she has been witnessed to so much advantage as la9t night in the impersonation of Pauvrette. The r6le of Bernard was taken by Mr. Charles Burford, and it is a part which finds him an admirable delineator. A crowded house last night did not fail to appreciate both Mr. Burford and Miss Stephen3Ou. The success of the <lraina, however, was not left altogether to the efforts of these two artistes, Mr. J. P. flydes as Michael coming in for no small measure of general commendation. The Marie Bernard of Miss Jessie Raymond was really a very clever piece of acting, and added greatly to the general effect of the most sensational incidents in the drama. " Pauvretto" extends through five long actsi, but iti no part does it flag. The interest increases as the plot reaches to the denouement, and the curtain falls to the acclamations of a delighted audience. The scenery and mechanical effects were carefully got up, the only drawback beiug the small amount of stage room which will allow tho perspective of some of the scenes a proper focus view from the part of 'the house occupied by the sitters. In the avalanche scene in the third act a call was made for Mr. Perriman, the scenic artist, who came ferward, and bowed his acknowledgments for the compliment paid him.

Baciiblder's Diorama.— Mr. .1. C. Earner, after a most successful fortiiight at the Thames, exhibited hia diorama of the American war last night at Onehunga. The ej:hibition will be repeated this evening for the last time. It is, however, not impro- . bable that Mr. Rainer will give a few more nights to an Auckland public '