PRINCESS'S THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 5994, 29 May 1882, Page 2

PRINCESS'S THEATRE.

The Mastodon Minstrels appeared on Saturday night in Mr M'Closkey's sensational drama "Pomp," aptly described on the playbills as an " extraordinary production." The drama is founded on a deadly feud that existed between two American families before the Civil War—the Greysons and the Hunters. Under the assumed name of Tom Bingham, Rube Hunter gets an introduction into the family of Colonel Greyson, and is successful in wooing his daughter. On the eve of their marriage Bingham's true character is disclosed by Pomp, a faithful colored servant of the Colonel, and the male suitor is ejected from the house. The hatred of Rube Hunter for the Greysons then knows no bounds, and attempted assassinations, murders, and the destruction of a train are planned by him, but always frustrated by Pomp's agency. The drama is of a highly sensational character, and the management deserve a passing word for the manner in which it has been mounted. A view of the Roanoke Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and of the deck of the Mississippi have been specially painted by Mr Williams ; and effect is given to the views by mechanical means. The opening and closing scenes are enacted on a plantation, and the management have judiciously utilised the colored members of the company by introducing a number of dances and jubilee songs. Another innovation is an original policeman's chorus sung in the streets of Washington. The principal character is that of young Pomp, which was well played by Mr Lewis. It is an extraordinary part, but as its representative is always dogging the villain of the play, it is one which is sure to find favor with the groundlings. Mr West was well suited as Rube Hunter, and Colonel Greyson found an admirable representative in Mr J. P. Hydes. As George Greyson Mr Alexander had little to do, but he had evidently not taken the trouble to study the few lines entrusted to him. Ot the female characters Miss Gertrude Duke first claims attention. This young lady is possessed of a good delivery, and as she seemed perfectly at her ease she soon placed herself on good terms with her audience. Miss Ashton as the witch, and Miss Phillips as Pomp's sweetheart had only subsidiary parts, but they filled them satisfactorily. " Pomp " may be expected to run for some nights.