THEATRE ROYAL—MASONIC ENTERTAINMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6485, 30 August 1882, Page 6

THEATRE ROYAL—MASONIC ENTERTAINMENT.

The amateur dramatic performance, 111 aid »f tie' Masonic Hall building fund, which had been'anDOanced for sometime, came off last night, tho piece selscted being the musical version' of Sir J "Walter Scotfs*«;Guy Mannering." its-success exoseded expccta. tica.' It is difficult to a.y precisely what. coastitates the 'excellence of an amateur performance. It most not conform lit fpennies! and .professional rigour, for that w.?a!d snake, it .stagey and rapid. Neither most it be erode, tsor wholly undisciplined, foi- Qokcihie, , as ;imchascrrer-elabora.tion, ■K-jrcld defeat itsobject." There most be the frast scops" for- SdiridnaKtnfi the rest being lefs'to average good, taste and fair cul'.jre. The perfbrajaice lasi ingfit -Hras exceUeDt, ncfc fcecaase it was freefrom defect, but becanna the 'parts'; -were judiciously distribated.The, following .was .the caste for the gentlemen*: ■who took •part Coknel Mr. H. A. Keesing; Heasy Bertram, Mr. Percg-Duianr; Dominie Ssmpsqn,'Brother Dawson; Dandie Dinmont, Brother Dilloa ;Dick Hatterzick;Brother'P'. H. Skinner'; Stillie ~ ilcckletimft, Brother W. fiattray; Gabriel, Brother Gordon Gooch ; ; Gilbert Glosan, -' Mr. • Charter; Sebastian, Mr. Lawrence; Jock Jabos, Mr. Woods; Franco£ Master KUisoa;. Sergeant McOae, Mr. James; Fanner Harrow, Mr. - WHliams. The ladies who performed preferred each- to be described as "lady amateur, "and as therappear not to wvh it we have no desire topafclish their names. Hiere were- also rserexal ladies lirlio caii'a-i----bated to the general result by : their vocal talents. The orchestra, - trader the direction of Mr.' Pooley, included some of tile : best knowiL: local- musicians, naznehr, Messre. Ea.dey, . Simpson, . Hemus, Hunter (2), <3ougivmuabering a dozen performers. . Moreover a number of volunteers gave their aaistanoe tosecure the effect ofthe military display. It -will appear from the store statement that every condition favourable to a successful result was provided. That a company; of amatuers should ' derive some advantageironi a little professional "coaching "is no disparagement of such a performance as that of last night. Mr. J. J." Welsh acted as" prompter. r Of Mr. Gordon Gooch it is unnecessary to speak.'- For the vocal - parts ef the play he was a "host in himself," The. lady who played Lucy Bertram was graceful, and,sang somewhat*, nervously the songs "My Heart" arid Slumber, My Darling,but. with complete: success The part JuliaMannering was excellent, but it is a. quiet rtile, and; the lady' who "played it showed that she could do much more in the way of acting. The lady, who played ileg Merrilies perfectly' understood the role. Although unequal in respect of sustained strength, the part was well conceived and well acted.'; Mr.' Rattray's Mucklethrift was very characteristic and clever, although a small part^" and the same may be said of Mrs. McCandHishl Mr. Dawson's Dominie Samson was exceptionally clever for an amateur .performance. It was not overdone, and the specialities of the role were well brought oat and delivered. Of Mr. Gooch'a singing "At the silent Midnight flour the gipsy chorus "Up rouse ye thenthe "Choogh and Crow (by a lady); "Dans Durdec;**■ the dnet "My Own, my Guiding Star ™ (Mr. P. Duianr}—all these were excellent in every respect. The true test of an amateur performance is that it maintains the interest of a large audience throughont. Thxfc of; last night fulfilled thin requisite. This implies that all the parties were eSeiently interpreted. The house (with the exception of the pit) was crowded. Indeed, .j a large number or ticketholders for the "circle" had to content themselves with seats in the stalls.. Most of the Masonic brethren appeared in full regalia, so that . .the house had quite a gay appearance.' As all the performers were well known, the interest in each part its own special inSoenca upon those who were present. The cave scene, thegipsy camping ground, were thoroughly well arranged, and the choruses were nicely grouped, so 83 to give picturesque effect. It is not necessary to add anything in the way of commendation 1 to the industry aad courage whieh asbrded such real enjoymeat to so large "and ao expectant »n audience.- The ' general • statement which describes- the whole, -is the best ' praise, because deriving nothing from personal compliment or favour.