ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7562, 15 February 1886, Page 5

ABBOTT'S OPERA HOUSE.

The Rickards-Leete Combination commenced a short season at the Opera House on Saturday evening in an amusing musical absurdity, entitled " Bric-a-Brac." It i« a brightly and smartly written trifle, and affords the members of the company an opportunity of introducing the several specialities in which they individually excel. Mr. Harry Rickards, who is the life and soul of the entertainment, appeared here some years ago, and the cordial reception which greeted his first appearance on the stage on Saturday evening showed that the favourable impression which he then created had not been obliterated. Time has not waned his popularity, nor has it, apparently, blunted his brightness or marred his infinite variety. He still remains the prince of character vocalists, and his clever sketches and intensely comical songs have all the sparkle and pungency of yesterday. He iB supported by a carefully selected, and talented company, whose combined efforts make up one of the most entertaining and diversified performances of its kind which can be witnessed out of London. On Saturday evening it evoked roars of laughter, and is likely to prove an unqualified success. It is, we may mention, altogether free from the slightest taint of objection, and if it serves no higher purpose than that of exciting the risible faculties, and affording two hours' unrestrained enjoyment, it is not likely to prove the lesß popular or pleasing on that account. Mr. Rickards' songs are all new, and he renders them in an irresistibly " taking" fashion, and with a wonderful sense of the grotesque and humorous. His characterisations, too, are uncommonly clever and comical. As caricatures they are the best things of their kind ever seen on the stage. He appears in seven distinct characters, and sings appropriate songs in each with unqualified success. His " Breach of Promise " ditty and " The Only One" were excruciatingly funny, and fairly brought down the house. He is, as we have said, supported by an admirable company of accomplished artistes. Miss Kate RickardsLeete, the heroine of the piece, acquits herself in a very satisfactory manner. Miss Nellie Wilson is a brilliant dancer and capital burlesque actress. Miss Ada Juneen also sings and dances in & very acceptable manner, and with much grace and effect. Mr Harry. Cremar is a capital humourist, and is intensely comical in the part which he fills. Mr. Harry Phillips sings and acts with considerable ability. During the evening Mr. Edgar Austin, the"lightning artist,"executed a number of clever sketches on the stage of local and world-wide celebrities. The entertainment ran very smoothly on Saturday evening, and was greeted with unstinted applause. It was in every respect a complete success, It will be repeated this evening, and for the information of those residing in the suburbs and North Shore, we may mention that the performance concludes at half past ten o'clook.