OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10477, 24 June 1897, Page 5

OPERA HOUSE.

Another large audience greeted Messrs. St. John and Hayman's Dramatic Combination last evening, when Bartley Campbell's famous drama, " My Partner," was staged. The piece was produced in Auckland some yours ago by Mr. George Rignold, but the only member of the company present then is Mr. Joe Tolano, who plays his old character of Wing Lee in the present production. The performance did not suffer by comparison, and from first, to last was evonly unci most creditably rendered, and staged effectively. A resume" of the plot is iinneceiiary, as the details are mostly familiar to Auckland playgoer*. Mr» Harrie Marshall scored another distinct success as Mary Brandon, especially in the more emotional scenes. Mr. Bailey, as Joe Sanders, was natural, acting with force and dignity throughout, and gave a masterly exposition of tho character of the rugged miner, who loves his partner second only to his honour. Mr. Field played Ned Singleton (my partner) in a conscientious manner, and gave an excellent rendering of a difficult character, his death scene being moss realistic. Mr, Joe Tolano and Wing Lee was responsible tor no end of comedy. Always humorous and never vulgar, he gave a really good rendition of a parb which, in other and less responsible hand*, might have easily degenerated into buffoonery. Mr Fred Patey was distinctly Rood as Socages and his villainy met with the usual recognition, so gratifying to the stage villain. Mr. Irve Haymaii, .in the character of Major Henry Clay Brett, was excellently mad. up, and few among the audience recognised him when he first stepped on the,stage., His was one of the best -nlayed parte of the drama, his make up aXwe accent being first-class. Misi Dora Mostyft gave, conscientious rendition often Bowler, and Mr. John Bruce was a Ski Matthew Brandon .Mis. Madge Corcoran, Miss Marie- D'Alton, and th* SndeVof the 6a.t an even production. "My Fart*' m be repeated this evening, and should draw another large audience, „ A of prase is due to Mr. Bert Bailey as stage manager, "Queen's Evidence" ii to be the next proI ductioii. ■' |- ~„, •'