ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC. THE MAGGIE MOORE SEASON.

Evening Post, Volume LXVI, Issue 55, 2 September 1903, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC. THE MAGGIE MOORE SEASON.

"STRUCK OIL." The popular drama "Struck Oil" was revived at the Opera House last evening, by the Maggie Moore Company. . The 1 story of the Stofel family, who figure so prominently throughout this piece, is well knowp. Suffice it to say that they were a very happy family until their domestic bliss was disturbed by a cowardly rascal (Deacon Skinner). This -villain pays a lump sum to the breadwin.ier of the family and gives him a release oj ft mort- ■ g/ige on his little cottage home, on condition that he (John Stofel) will in the war as' his (Skinner's) substitute!^ While Stofel is serving his country at the front, oil is struck on his little cottage property, and the unscrupulous Skinner works might and main to obtain possession. Stofel is reported to have been killed in action, but, as it transpire*, : was only wounded, and reaches home just in time to saw his family and his home. The somewhat trying character of John Stofel, a light-hearted, generous old Dutchman, was excellently impersonated by Mr. John F. Forde. Mr. J. P. West, as the villainous Skinner, was no less ' successful. Mr. Vincent Scully made a ! polished and businesslike Dr. Pearson. Messrs. S. "A. Fitzgerald and Milton Moss , in minor parts also came in for a shara of the plaudits of the audience. The j outstanding character of the drama was, , of course, that of Lizzie Stofel, which has gained Miss Maggie Moore a worldwide reputation. In the character of tht ; , good-hearted, bonny Lizzie as played by Miss Moore there is much to admire, to [ amuse, and at times to stir the deeper emotions, as, for instance, in her touching farewell song to her dear old daddy on the eve of the war, and again her welcome on his return. Miss Madg* Herrick merits a word of praise for her impersonation of Mrs. Stofel. . The scenio j effects generally were good, particularly the volunteers' camp with a view of Pittsburg in the distance, and t)he Oilsburg scene showing machinery, steam en« gines, wells, derricks, etc. "Struck Oil" will be played again to-night. Mr. Dixs artists appearing at the Theatre Royal were greeted by another appreciative audience last evening, when Miss Nellie Yohe had a good reception. Mr. Callaway also had to contribute Ijis usual budget of comics. Fuller's Entertainers entertained the usual appreciative audience last evening. Messrs. Jones Bros.' reappearance was welcomed. A number of new items were introduced by D'Arc's Marionette Company, which reopened at tike Exchange Hall fast evening. The programme was an entertain- . ing one, and met with the reward it de- ' served. A matinee performance was given this afternoon before an appreciative audience composed mostly of young people. The Rev. W. C. Oliver will lecture on "Some Literary Peculiarities — Grave, Humorous, and Otherwise" in the Wesley Institute Buildings, Taranaki-street, tomorrow evening at 8 p;m., in connection with the Wesleyan, Literary and Debating Society Selections to illustrate portions of the lecture will be given by members of the society. Admission is free, and the public are cordially invited to be present. An excellent programme is promised for Mr. "Jim" Marion's benefit at the Theatre Royal on Saturday afternoon, and a hie house should be a&sured. Owing to the large sale of tickets, especially for dress circle seats, Mr. Ilolliday, of Lambtou-quay, has kindly consented to open a box plan, free of charge, fo that holders of tickets on presenting them can mark their seats and obtain vouchers in exchange. Mr. Fred. Duval, business manager for yiv. Geo. Stcphenson's American Comedy Company (Stine and Evans') arrived from Auckland last night to make arrangements for the company's opening next Wednesday at the Opera House. The Auckland season was n highly .-auccc^sful one, the newspaper notices of the comedies played being very culogstic. .ho opening piece will be "Mama's New Husband." a frivolity of a most amusing da* | scription. The St. John's Young Women's Misj sionary Guild is holding a &ale of work to-morrow afternoon and evening in th« Schoolroom adjoining the church. The proceeds are in aid of the proposed traininv home for Maori girls. His Worshit

the Mayor (Mr. J. G. W. Aitken) is to open the sale at 3 p.m. The first annual dinner in connection with the Nelson College Old Boys is to be held at the Bodega at 8 o'clock tomorrow evening. The Tailoresses' Union carnival will open at the Drillshed next Monday. A large number of performers have been actively rehearsing under the supervision of bignor Borzoni for a spectacular display, entitled "A Night in Paris," which introduces fan dances, gavottes, minuets, marches, etc., and will form an interesting item each evening. An art union cf 48 valuable prizes will be held in connection with the carnival. The Premier has consented to open the carnival. - Members of Court Sir George Bowen play a cribbage tournament with the Loyal Antipodean Lodge this evening.