ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8631, 29 July 1891, Page 5

ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

» ! Is their representation of Dion Boucicault's drama, "Colleen Bawn," at the Opera House last night, the Dobson-Kennedy Company were not quite so successful as in some of their former performances, yet, nevertheless, they certainly enlisted the earnest attention and sympathy of those present throughout the whole performance. Unfortunately, owing to the continuous and heavy rain, the audience was not as large as might otherwise have been anticipated. The piece abounds with that mingled pathos and mirth so typical of Irish life and character, and these traits i were exhibited with a good deal of ability by the company. Great things were, of course, expected of Miss Idrene Thornton as Eily O'Connor, or the "Colleen Bawn," and in her pourtrayal of this touching and attractive part she completely carried her audience with her. Her rendering of the songs which fell to her lot deserves special mention for its excellence, and the audience were not slow to testify to their hearty approval. Mr. J. J. Kennedy was thoroughly at home in his impersonation of the part of Miles-na-Coppa-leen, the smuggler—a young fellow full of Irish wit, Irish recklessness, and Irish tenderness. Such a character, naturally acted as it was by Mr. Kennedy, could not fail to captivate the audience. Mr. Collet Dobson made all that could be made of the part of Kyrle Daly, and Mr. Frank Norton was a decided success as Hardress Cregan. Miss Lily Hill did well as a rollicking Irish heiress, but her voice was, perhaps, against her; and Mrs. W. E. Jermyn was fairly successful as Mrs. Cregan, a lady poor and proud. The other characters were well sustained, especially that of Father Tom (Mr. Saville), and as a whole the piece went off smoothly. The scenery mid costumes were a special feature. This evening "Lost in London" will be produced, followed by a farce entitled " The Benicia , Boy," and should draw a large audience.