LEON AND CUSHMAN'S MINSTRELS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7865, 21 May 1886, Page 2

LEON AND CUSHMAN'S MINSTRELS.

At the Theatre Eoyal last night th Leon and Cushman's Minstrels, in cdnjnix tdon with the Cogill Bros., made their fire appearance before a Christchurch audience There was a fairly well filled house, an the success of the programme was decided! pronounced., • 4In the first part Frank Cushman wa "Tambourine,” Charles ;W, Cogi "Bones,” and Walter Medus “Interloet tor.” The overture was a nicely arrange tU* on the “ Chimes of Normandy,” t which full justice was done by hot •rohestraand vocalists. The songs tha followed were “ A Boy’s Best Friend is hi Mother,” tastefully given by Harry 1 Cogill; the serenade, “Little Daring Dream of Me,” pathetically sung by Janie Norrie; and the comic ditties, "Th Windy Man from Sydney,” which every body must hear Frank Cushman in, an “ Who Did ?” in which the intense! funny manner of Charles W. Cogill wa more effective than the words. A not* worthy feature of this part were the jokei which, if not numerous, were new. The second part introduced once more t his Christchurch admirers the “Onl Leon” in the “Belle of Brighton Beach, hia (or her ?) rendering of which brough an enthusiastic encore. Instead of repeat ing the song, however, Leon gave pathetic recitation, “The Old Minstrel, and for another encore “I’m so Shy. James Norrie followed with the serenad " I’ll Await my Love,” and, in response i an encore, “ When the Violets Bloom. This part concluded with a clever, origins and very amusing interlude, entitled “ Chi Chat,” in which the two Cogills kept tl audience enthusiastic in applause,. an roaring with laughter, by their exceeding! good dancing, singing and fun generally. • The third part consisted of an amnsin absurdity entitled “ His Grace the Duke,'the characters in which were capital! taken by Frank Cushman, Walter Medui Vere Douglas, James Norrie,, John. Gi mour and the “ Only Leon,” who made th most of a somewhat unsatisfactory farce. The Company again appear this evening