THE GREEN WOOD BENEFIT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10834, 18 August 1898, Page 5

THE GREEN WOOD BENEFIT.

The audience that assembled at the Opera House last night, to witness the complimentary entertainment tendered to the popular and talented Greenwood family, was one of the largest and most fashionable that has congregated in any place of entertainment in Auckland. For this, we take it, there wore three reasons. First, on account of tho popularity of the Greenwood family ; secondly, sympathy with them in their sad bereavement; and thirdly, because it was generally understood that the entertainment would be a unique and enjoyable one. And in the latter connection anticipations were fully realised. From first to last the large audience was amused, interested, and pleased, and tho loud applause that greeted the efforts of the various performers bore ample testimony to the fact that the efforts of the ladies and gentlemen taking an active part in last night's performance, and those who were responsible for the arrangement of the living pictures and tableaux met with full appreciation at the hands of those present. Though not to any extent indulgent, the audience encored item after item, and the only fault that could be found with the entertainment, was that it was unduly prolonged. After the opening selection by a capable orchestra (under the able conductorship of Mr. Eady) tho tableau, "Quarrel Scene from Midsummer Night's Dream " (arranged by Mesdames Sinclair and Kdmiston) was presented, Hie scena being applicable to tho lines," I'll meet by mooonliglit haughty Titania." The fair Titania was represented by Miss Edmiston, Miss Roberta Greenwood appeared as. Oberon, Master 0. Williams as Puck, Miss Alcestis Sinclair as Pease Blossom, Miss Norrie Sinclair as Moth, Miss Hara Sinclair as Cobweb, Miss Gladys Masefield as Mustard Seed, while fairies were grouped in, various attitudes, the tableau being one of the best of the evening. Tho audience applauded loudly, and tho curtain had to bo raised several times before thoso present were satisfied. Miss Agatha Greenwood appeared in the character song, " As Pretty as a Picture," and being loudly encored sang' Mabel's " Poor Wandering One," the takingr waltz melody from "The Pirates of Penzance." In the living picture "The Unexpected Guest (arranged by Mrs. W. Napier), the characters were portrayed by Mesdamesi Napier, Scherff, Misses Kcnrick and Hill (2), and was a splendidly-arranged representation of an amusing scene. Master Ralph, a youthful performer of nine years, played a selection from " Faust," Mrs. Ralph acting as accompanist, and his bowing and general execution, and the expression with which he played, was wonderful in one so young. Pupils of Mrs. Sowcrby went through skirt-dances, an "international" Irish dance,' mid hornpipes, in a mannor tot reflected credit upon tutor and performers. The comic duet, " A Little Peach," by Mr. R. Greenwood and Master Charley Williams, was one of the most lrumorous items of the evening, the last-mentioncjl performer, a dot of a child, singing his lines with a! naivette that simply convulsed the audience. Mr, Reginald Burch contributed a vocal solo and Miss Maribel Greenwood essayed, the trying " Jewel Song," from the Italian opera "Faust," Mr, Borteo sang a "Masher Song" with expression, the Misses Greeiiwood pleased the audience! with "The Gipsies Laughing Trio," in character, and little Phyllis Perrier appeared in the sonjg and dance, "Looking For a Coon Like Me," which she sang in good style. Dr. [Lowe's ventriloquial act was one of the cleverest and most enjoyable performances of the kind yet given in Auckland/and he well-deserjped the applause that greeted his effort. In thesecond part of the programme the principal items were the scenes, musical pictuires, tableau, and finale. The scene and chorus was from "Patience" ("Twenty • "Lovesick Maidens We"), the forlorn damsels being grouped around the (esthetic poet.* The scene was arranged by. Mesdiunes Masefield and Dufaur," whde the characters were represented by Mr. Jackson Palmer, and Misses Masefield, George, Clapcott, Hudson, Greenwood, Aubin, Kennedy, Hanna, Hart, Wylde Browne, Crawford, Phillips, SmJtjh, Keogh, Lcece, Williamson, Lonerich, Ray/ner. Miss Roberta Greenwood . was ; encored for her sympathetic rendering of " Ben "Bolt," Mrs. Kilgour sang "Alas,', in finished, style,' and Dr. Lowe contributed a comic specialty entitled Kisses." The ; tableau "Coming Through the Rye" (arranged Tj>y': Mrs.- Edmiston), made a chajaning"■'picture,' that greatly pleased the audience, aid the grand finale "Auld Lang Syne," in which the audience joined, while j the beneficiaries j and performer: were ; grouped; on.' the j: stage, brought a thoroughly enjoyabfy. and successful ,entertainment to' a close. "■ Flashlight photos of the audience and the final tableau taken. In connection with the entertainment mention ■ should be' made' of the valuable services rendered bv.'Jlr; S.E. Coleman (stage manager), Miss himrS (hon. secretary), Mr, P. N. Hansen {hon. treasurer), and Mr. B. Griffiths (stage^ittcknic).';}■,"■'•