AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8222, 5 April 1890, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

Tjik great attraction for this evoning is the production, for the first time in Auckland, of the dramatized version of Mrs. Hodgson Burnett's story, " Little Lord Fauntleroy," which takes place at Abbott's Opera House. The occasion has been sufficiently well, heralded, and no doubt there is a very general desire on the part of local theatre--goers to see a piece which has achieved such an excellent reputation, and of the performance of which report speaks so highly. It is tiid of the play that it has its strength in its p.\thos. There is very little of Badness in it, the pathetic not being attained by playing upon the chords of emotion by pictures of affliction or sorrow, on the contrary, happiness and good cheer shine forth at every turn, giving comfort to those who live in the hour, and yet at the same time so touching their hearts that unconsciously tho lump rises in the throat and the tear comes to the eye. It is the sweetness of character of the little boy hero, his tenderness and love, that so rouse the sympathy and give pathos to the story that begins, continues, and ends in almost constant sunshine. The part of little Lord Fauntleroy will to-night be played by Miss Grace Hopkins, and on Monday night it will bo entrusted to Miss Olive Berkley.. The piece is produced under the stage "supervision of Mr. Henry Edwards. Messrs. Williamson, Garner, and Musgrove, having the direction of the season, it is unnecessary to add that the play will be elaborately and elegantly mounted. The scenery is from the brush of Mr. John Brunton, and the furnishings are said to bo both tasteful and unique. Altogether, everything has been done to ensure a successful representation, and it will be surprising if on this tho opening night the theatre will not be crowden. At the City Hall, Jenaon and Lawton's Company will re-appear in their combina- , tion of wonders and illusions. .