PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4259, 8 July 1875, Page 5

PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE.

Mis-* Mav Howaiid closed her engagement at the above theatre last evening, her engagements compelling her to return to America by the mail-boat. The Irish drama of " Arrah-na-I'oguc"' was placed upon the stage, ami attracted a good audience, especially in the lower part?. The piece was very fairly presented, but wo need hardly say that Miss Howard did not appear at anything like her best in the character of Arrah, the ponrtrayal of Irish sentimentalism being quite out of her line. We have often wondered how it is this lady allowed herself to be betrayed intoattemptingsueh pourtrayals, when she might have appeared with much more effect in many others, which would afford her au opportunity of displaying lier figure in " gorgeous apparel'* and her talents as a light comedy actress of considerable ability. Mi*s Clara Stephenson was vivacious as K-uiny l\iwcr, and the very < mbodimeiU a g<md-ht-arted and high-spirited young Irish lady. Mr. Colliers Siiaun was a capital impersonation, and Mr. l\>ole achieved a fair success as Michael Keeney, but can never restrain himself from making a point to raise a laugh ; he will sacrifice tin: whole sentiment of a scene to do this at any time. The other characters were all fairly represented, and the scenery was good. To-night '* Jocerisse, the Juggler,'' will make his lirst appearance. Miss May Howard's stay iu New Zealand has been a protracted and, we believe, a profitable one. This lady has had many admirers, and in several ligiit comcdy character} has

not met with her equal, bringing to her aid in the interpretation of them all the resources which excellent taste and much refinement of manner can supply. Miss Howard has also introduced a number of plays entirely new to the audiences of this colony, and has displayed a taste for tho artistic and appropriate dressing of characters far beyond that which we had before been used to.