THE OCTOROON.

Grey River Argus, Volume LVII, Issue 10311, 19 June 1899, Page 2

THE OCTOROON.

It is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that Boucicault's celebrated drama will be staged on Wednesday next by the Greymouth Garrick Club. For weeks past the town has been placarded with streamers and posters, so thafc he who runs may read. The business manager (wise in his generation) has evidently decided that it will not be for want of advertising publicity, if on the nights of representation the holding capacity of the new Opera House if not taxed to its utmost limit. \The Garrick Club have evidently spared neither money, time, or trouble in making the production of the Octoroon a record performance in the annals of amateur theapic art. Taking advantage of the presence in Greymoiith of Mr Ricketts, the Sydney scenic artist, the Club, at great expense, has had special scenery painted-* and mechanical movements contrived,' 'and their exhibition during the course of the. drama will prove a revelation of stage effect. As stage operations are in the capable hands of Mr F G Elmer, and eight excellent assistants, it may be anticipated that the pictures presented will be artistic and complete. . The caste of the play is a most powerful one, the names of Messrs Edwards,: Guthrie, Baltrop, G Moss, F JElmer,.R; W Mitchell, JO H M'Kenzie, E J Langton, Master Holmes, Mrs C L 'Hertslett, Misses HDL Holmes," M Burke, Dora Douglas, etc, among the performers being sufficient guarantee of a 'lifeful -portrayal of the stirring dramatic incidents and situations of the drama. The minor parts are also well filled, and supported as they will be by these and a host of super;numaries the principals will doubtless give an excellent rendition of the various characters. It is now 15 years since the Octoroon was last staged in Greymouth and, so successfully that its memories stilT survive amongst the lovers of dramaticLiitfc.. The cost of sfcaging the piece; is so great, and the rendition of its characters so difficult, that its production is seldom ventured upon by amateurs, \ but in this case every condition has been faithfully observed so far as scenic, effect is T concerned, and notwithstanding: its difficulties the rehearsals have shown that this; caste is fully equal to the onerous duties of a faithful performance.;: ; The Orchestra, under the baton of Mrs Millington, should render equally -good work. Of the 20 performers whose names ! appear on the programme, each has [appeared as a soloist more or less frequently in the many musical entertainments of past years and it goes without, saying that the talent of the musicans will, render the various overtures and incidental music in manner worthy of the occasion, and of the high anticipations their combination leads us fc> expect. The object of the Garrick Club in staging the Octoroon is a most laudable one and deserving of avery encouragement. That crowded houses, will reward its effort? is fully anticipated, and we have no hesitation in predicting that " standing room only" will be the ocgtx of the day, or rather the nights of Wtfe tiißdiy tn& VtMnfcgr mxfc