ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8423, 26 November 1890, Page 5

ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

MR. J. L. TOOLE.

The veteran English comedian, Mr. J. L Toole, arrived from the South by the To Anau yesterday, accompanied by his wellappointed company, and he at once scored a most pronounced success in his opening performance at the Opera House. He selected tor bis opening Henry Byron's bright auc effervescent comedy, " Chawles," taking tha leading role of course in his own hands, and to say that he delighted, aye, almost convulsed his audience, by the great comedv powers which he exhibited is but a poor re cord of what he accomplished. The fact is that Mr. Toole's powers were accepted somewhat doubtfully, so many stars have proved to be tailing ones, but in this instance the impress of the London stamp is fully supported by colonial successes, and those who went to the Opera House prepared to make allowances for a few defects were surprised to rind that there were none to excuse, and that there was presented to them in all its brilliancy a high-class comedy, perfectly played by competent artistes, and led by that idol of the London playhouses, Mr. Toole, who appeared with all the freshness which delineated las impersonations many years ago. _ Chawles" is one of the best of'Byron'a creations, and there is not a phrase, an incident, or a point of which Mr. Toole does not: make the most. Indeed lie is so sunk in the character that he ceases to be himself. His powers of delineation are not only comical, they are natural besides, that is to sav they take the comical side of nature, and show it in the most pleasant manner. The confidential servant, disappointed in receiving no 1 momentum" from his master, was * fine introduction to the subsequent scenes, and nothing in the world could be better than his marticulation when he discovered that he had mistaken the heir of the property for an applicant for the position of footman. Ihe manner in which lie received the news that the property had been bequeathed to him was unique in its delineation, and eouldhardly be described, but there was in it an intensity whichwent beyond the line of comedy. We need hardly follow the skilful artist through all the brillant touches with which he delineates the character. Enough to say that, from first to last, his genius displayed; the many phases of character brought out by the different situations in which " Chawles" found himself. _ On his first entrance he was received with rounds of applause in recognition of his great reputation. In scene after seeuo he received applause for his meritorious acting, and at the close of each act he had to appear before the curtain, and this he always i did, accompanied by other leading mem--1 bers of the company who happened to Ije engaged , in the particular scenes. Of Mr. Toole's first appearance in Auckland no excuse or apology is necessary on the score of want of time or circumstance. He is equal to what was represented ; and in the comedy as well as in the farce of' "lei On Parle fcrancais," in which lie sustained the role of Mr. opriggins, he displayed a versatility and a power of delineation such as few in the colonies have ever had an opportunity of witnessing. But it is not the "star" alone that the company is dependent on. Air Westland. who played the role, of the impecunious old hypocritical schemer Vandaleui, displayed a fine essence of humour in the impersonation of this character and in the farce he fairly revelled in the part of Mr. Rat-lan. Mr. 0. M. Lowne, who played Percival Ransome in the comedy and Mons. Victor Dubois in the farce, possesses a line stage presence, a good voice, and such a knowledge of his art as to make his impersonations natural and pleasant; and Mi. Shelton, who played the family lawyer in the comedy, shows aline capacity for old men's parts. Space will not allow us to individualise the various characters, and each deserves mention, but we must not omit to notice the excellence of the lady artistes of the company. Miss Irene Vanbrugh, who nlayed the rol-'x of Kate Vandaleur and Angelina, lias a fine attractive and commanding appearance added to which she hag a graceful manner, and a good deal of artistic ability. MibS Johnstone, as Mary Draper, had a good part in the comedy, and she certainly made the most of it, and Miss Elbe List,on, as Mrs. Kumsey in the comedy, and as Mrs. Spriggins in the farce, played very effectively. Altogether, the performance was a re vela tion. It went without a hitch ; the audienet was kept in roars of laughter from start ti finish, and their appreciation was marked not only by applause, but bouquets were also showered on the stage.

The same programme will be repeated this evening, and to-morrow night Mr. Toole will appear in his great character, "The Don."

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