COPPIN'S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7140, 2 November 1901, Page 2

COPPIN'S DRAMATIC COMPANY.

The piece staged by the above company at the Theatre Eoyal last evening, "The Miner's Daughter," was a distinct contrast to the production of the previous evening and afforded the members of the company an excellent opportunity for a display of versatility, of which they took due advantage. As may be gathered from its title, the play is redolent of gold, California, miners and the daily exciting scenes to be witnessed at their camps, revolvers and sudden death, all: of which have been used by the author in building one of the most exciting and realistic performances that one could possibly wish for. The interest awakened in the fortunes of the principal 'characters is not lessened by the picturesque attire, indicative of the West, the American twang adopted in the dialogue arid the specially prepared scenery representative of the wild canons and gulches of California. The cast as before was a very strong one. Mr Coppin, as Boozer Smith, appeared in another of his thirsty roles and acquitted himself admirably. He was ably seconded by Mr E. Armitage as 'George Lawrence, the camp schoolmaster, while Mr Lionel Harcourt as Gent Bert, a desperado of the refined type, and Bed Seth (Mr Luella) his partner in several bloodletting episodes, both looked and personated their characters to the letter. The absorbing interest of the piece centred in Miss Millie Collier, who as M'Liss, daughter of Boozer Smith, represented the tomboy of the camp, the ignorant, uneducated, but withal innocent and generously dispositioned girl to perfection. While her vocal contributions were as pleasing as ever, receiving encores iv each instance. The minor characters were creditably filled by the remaining members of the cast, while appropriate music was contributed by Miss Vercoe. .

This evening one of the' greatest attractions of the time, " Lady Audley's Secret," will be presented, Miss Collier appearing in the title roll.