ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8474, 27 January 1891, Page 5

ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

Haiivkv Buothkr*' Burlesque and Minstrel Company opened a short season at the Opera House last, night under the management of Mr. A. L. Cunard. Mr. Cunard has been instrumental in the introduction of many shows to New Zealand, and no one ; should be more competent, to judge of the \ public requirements. The Harvey Minstrels were greeted' with a good house on their opening night, although Jupiter Pluvius had turned on his watering pot and made a wet night of it. Tho company was introduced in the opening chorus, The Lilacs," representing four end men, four ladies, a centro man, and a pianist. The whole of the first part of the programme was of the ministrol cast, songs, conundrums, etc., and of these the German ballad, "Cadet March," the Tyrolean romance by Mr. C. Harvey with the jodel accompaniments, and the comic songs by Mr. Magee and Mr. Cowan attracted the 'most attention, with one exception. The exception was Miss Helen Canard's sonsr, " Tho Song that Reached My Heart." She has a nice sympathetic voice ;an encore was demanded, and the closing lines were repeated. Tho conundrums were of tho usual character, some new, some stale, but all amusing. The song and dance by Miss Violet Brandon was an attractive feature, and the grand finale, "Good By Liza," was full of vim and humour. In the second part of tho programme Mr. Harry Cowan gives a number of outre selections of the most humourous description. Mr. Cunard, who is a finished performer on the banjo, gave an excellent solo. Mr. Magee contributed an amusing Irish sketch, aud the Harvey Brothers gave a highly amusing mimical representation. Miss Cunard rendered the vocal selection " Bel Raggio" (Semiramide) with good effect, and Miss Violet Brandon danced and sang with fascinating grace. The farce of a " Terrible Night" brought the performance to a close. Mr. Cunard has presented to the audience an attractive evening's amusement" which possesses the merit of keeping them pleased throughout, and he will no doubt have a prontablo season. _____