MS. HARRY RICHARDS COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10968, 24 January 1899, Page 5

MS. HARRY RICHARDS COMPANY.

That first-class variety entertainments can usually bo relied upon to draw good houses was evidenced by the splendid attendance at the Opera House last night, when Mr. Harry Rickards and his company of talented English artists made their initial appearance in Auckland in what must bo olassed one of tho best variety programmes ever submitted to a New Zealand audience. When he last toured this colony, Mr. Rickards was supported by a strong combination. Sinco thon, however, fortune has favoured tho popular Sydney manager, and, encouraged by success, he has adopted a much higher standard, and has, at considerable expense, entered into engagements with tho stars of the variety stage in England and America, with the result that tho company now appearing at the Opera House will compare favourably with similar organisations now providing entertainments in Loudon and the Continental centres, while it excels any previous show of tho kmd introduced into New Zealand. As an actorvocalist, Mr. Rickards has established himself a firm favourite. In particular songs he is unapproachable, and his popular descriptive ditties, humorous, pathotic, and typical of the London coster, over ready to "deal it out to meddlers, hut withal a manly champion of " his gal," seldom fail to elicit loud and continued applause. Mr. Rickards last night sang some of his latest London successes, which have beon more than sufficient to maKo him a favourite with London music-hall audiences, and met with a cordial reception, that must haw been exceedingly gratifying « ™' and was a sufficient testimony to his ability as a humorous and descriptive vocalist. His songs "last night consisted of several old favourites, which were vociferously applauded, while the new London successes, "That's a Woman's Way," "By the Sad, Sea Waves," and the veil-known _ fc Dunno Where 'E Are," were well received, llie •Mar" of the company, however, is Signer Riondi, a protean artist "'hose equal has new vet been seen in New Zealand. Wth the assistance of dressers, who are evidently veil up to their business, Signer I.ond, (who it may bo said has appeared before Hot Majesty the Queen at Windsor, and King Bert of Italy, by whom ho «.jjW ally decorated) represents in »™^ b »,'ffi? all the leading musical ami po it.oal cdotaties of the day. After presenting & flaccid ' d somewhat expressionless face to the and, enco, ho disappears or a few seconds, and another character, with facial likeness true, until the audience, bewildered, seriously qm* In the romedv Discovered, in wtucn ■■» onr"k characters, with the ease that [ho most talented artist would portray one of which ho has made a special study, Sipior Biondi scored a distinct success; while in his representation of the cad ng musical conductors, of the world, the changes wore made in full view of tie audience with lighting-like rapidity, while lie identity of the performer was completely lost th.of the various characters represented. Tlnlporlion of tho entertainment is «■ ■»»M sufficient to ensure its success, but Mr. Sards does not believe „" one-horse low ' The other members of the company in clover and capable artists. Miss Lolli. Moo and Mr. Albert Bellman appear■«■ laughable musical sketch. "A Pair of Limatics" and last night tier eccentricities and whimsical vocal oddities convulsed tho audience, while Miss Moore's coon songs and dance,' were sufficient to prove that tody, capabilities and venality. Mr. J. W. «m tort is one of the cleverest von riloq.ua ontainers who has yet appeared in Auckland and tho manner in which the many mechanical (inures were worked was simply marvellous. Messrs. Foreman and Thomas aro what are called "knockabout comedians, and while tl-ev occupy tho stage the interest of the audience is well sustained. Their knockabout dances and patter songs are unique, and judging by last night's reception Messrs. Foreman and Thomas will prove to be two of the most popular performers with Auckland audiences. Of the other members of tho company, it mav with truth lie said that they are as capable as wo have beon led to expect. Mr Hamilton Hill was deservedly encored for his singing of two taking baritono solos, while Miss Clara Llewelyn was also compelled In rc-aopear. She poshes a cultivated voice, which she knows how to wo to advantage, and her singing was marked by distinct articulation and pronor attention to expression. Mr. Rickards last night promised the audience that frequent changes would bo made in the programmes, so Hint we may oxpect the early appearance of the remaining members of this talented combination. _________