THE NATHAN TROUPE AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1076, 26 April 1867, Page 3

THE NATHAN TROUPE AT THE PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Last niglit the Nathan Troupe appeared, revisiting Auckland. Added to tlie company were two decided acquisitions, Mr. ,f. Small and Mr. J. Chambers, both of whom are '.veil known to the Auckland public, the iormerbeing the "unfortunate man " whose woes arc pregnant with laughter to an unfeeling audience.

The performances commenced witli a burlesque, adapted by Mr, Small from Samuel Lover's farce, The Happy Man." The plot is founded on Ihs well-known Eastern story of the Indian potentate, whose mooii-sh'c or physician, prescribed as a remedy for his disease, a shirt worn by a happy man. In the original, the happy individual is destitute of that necessary garment, but Mr. Small, in addition to a neat dialogue, whose rhymes run smoothly without the interpolation of those word-tortures ltnow'u as puns, has considerably added to the zest of the piece by eausing his hero or heroine to produce what is known as a "dickcj'." The potentate being surprised atthe smallness of the dimensions, is coolly informed that the other part is '• at the wash." The highest praise that can be given to the piece is to say that the performers do justice to the dialogue ; both are inimitable. La Petite Marion, of course, took the leading part, and we think would prove a greater attraction for those who love the brogue, than the renowned General Hobei'ts.

An interlude succeeded, after which a " Highland Fling" by Miss Selina Nathan was encored and responded to. Mr. Small then sang "Lannigan's Ball," and a vociferous encore produced " "Widow Machree," to which Mr. Small added two verses, decidedly not inferior to his original text. A cornet solo was well played by Master E. Nathan, and re-demanded. Of " Finnigan's Wake," by La Petite, we need say nothing; it is well known here. Mr. Small re-'flppcared and saug " The Unfortunate Man." The audience seemed to appreciate his troubles so much as to add to his misfortunes, for after he declared that he could " sing no more," they demanded an encore, which produced an original local entitled " The Sewing Machine." After an intermission, a farce entitled " The Colonial Servant" was produced. Good as the other characters were, the interest centred in La PclUc Marian, whose delineation of an independent domestic from Tipperary, literally convulsed the house. Several songs and ducts accompanied this piece, the vremc du la crcme being " The Girl from Tipperary," by Miss Marian Nathan.

Miss Sclina ISalhan introduced a song, concerning customers in general, and bcrmaids in particular, which was liardly allowed toprocecd, the applause at tlie various-points greatly embarrassing the singer. Tlie local hit#, though. 110 doubt meant for Australia, applied with happy force to Auckland, hence the enjoyment of the allusions.

A ballet, arranged by Mr. J. Chambers, concluded tlie evening's entertainment. It was entitled '•'Dancing Mad," and embodied Grimaldi's celebrated, ghost scene, with advantageous additions- Mr. Chambers, as Pierouette, was, as announced, always on the hop, and added to his well-known dancing laurels, the pre-illye of a contortionist. It has been often observed in Auckland that "there is no money," that "theatricals don t pay," ifcc., but the full house last night satisfactorily proves that talent will ever be appreciated here, and we venture to predict that tho stay of the iNathan Troupe here will be attended by an increasing and delighted audience.