PRINCESS’S THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 10188, 15 December 1896, Page 2

PRINCESS’S THEATRE.

‘ UNCLE TOM’S CABIN.’

After a week’s absence at Invercargill Pollard’s Opera Company made their reapi pearance at the Princess’s last night, when they produced ‘ Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ for the first lime in this City.- That the recollection of Mrs Beecher Stowe’s famous book is still green in the memories of many was made apparent by the large audience that assembled last night to witness the production. Of course, the version presented by Pollard’s company differs very much from the accepted tale ; but the fundamentals are there, minus the protracted distressing scenes. These are all restricted to the smallest limit—a feature that does not in any way detract from the worth of the piece. A large number of choruses, jubilee songs, and dances are introduced, and constitute a very pleasing diversion to the natural sorrowfulness of the main theme of the dramatised story. To allot to each character a separate impersonator would be too much to expect front any mauager, aud consequently a good many ot the company have to play in double roles. Mr Aff Stephens appears as Simon Ingres, the baled cotton planter, and as Phtneas Von Tromp, the much-loved Quaker fanner ; Mr E Nable takes the dual parts of Mr St. Clair and Dan Haley, slaveowner ) and little Edy O’Sullivan fills the characters of Eva and little Harry Harris. The different parts by their respective impersonators were all wall sustained. Mr Alf Stephens filled both hia i files with the greatest of confidence, and was a distinct success, his acting of the vision scene in the fourth act, where Legree sees the vision of hia wife, being very powerful, and evoking hearty rounds of applause. The get-up of Mr Harry Quealy as Marks, the lawyer, was very good, and the character was acted with much ability. The part of Uncle Tom was entrusted to Mr W. Percy, and it was in very capable hands, the aged negro makeup being very good, and was sustained with a dignity that reflected credit upon Mr Percy’s ability as an actor. Mias Maud Beatty was cast in the character of George Harris the Quadroon slave, aud was very successful. Miss E. Metcalfe made an appropriate Eliza Harris, and her acting gained for her a continuance of that favor in which she has established herself with the Dunedin public. The Frantz brothers were most amusing in their several characters, and their actions vvere provocative of very hearty mirth. Master C. Albert was Topsy, and in that character was quite at home. Little Eily O’Sullivan made a capable Eva, and was most natural in all she said and did. The get-up of Miss May Beatty as Miss Ophelia was very appropriate, and Miss Beatty acted the old maid in every way to perfection. The other parts, too numerous to mention, were all sustained with merit, and each and every one of the company is deserving of praise for the efficient and happy manner in which the piece was gone through. The choruses were well rendered, and that they were appreciated was proved by the heartiness of the applause and the frequence of applause. ‘ The old ark ’ secured a double encore, a fact that was no doubt largely due to the grotesque dancing of Master 0. Albert, who sang the solo. Amongst the most successful choruses that w’ere encored were ‘ Alabama coons,’ 1 Who’s dat a singing ? ’ and the duet ‘Sligo.’ The scenic effects were admirable, especially the ice floe and cotton plantation scenes, which were extremely well set. The tableau at the close, when the soul of Uncle Tom is passing away, was excellent, and fairly brought down the house, and was an appropriate finale to the performance. ‘ Uncle Tom’s Cabin ’ will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night, but the matinde which was arranged for tomorrow will not take place, as the company will be busy rehearsing for their forthcoming Wellington season.