"A TRIP TO CHINATOWN."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11243, 12 December 1899, Page 6

"A TRIP TO CHINATOWN."

Tee first production in Auckland of the musical comedy "A Trip to Chinatown," by Mr. Harry Conor and Messrs. Hoyt and McKee's Company, under the direction of Messrs. Williamson and Musgrove, naturally attracted a large attendance at the Opera House last evening. That packed houses will be the rule throughout their 12 nights' season is equally to be expected from the manner in which the piece was produced, and the unequivocal signs of approval on the part of the audience. Mirth and laughter reigned supreme while Mr. Conor and his capable company had their "three hours traffic of the stage," and it may be said unhesitatingly that no comedy has yet been produced here which possesses more mirth-raising qualities than "A Trip to Chinatown." To attempt to convey in bald prose an idea of the plot were out of the Question, Jiot that any close attention is necessary to follow the thread of the story, but there is such a wealth of witty dialogue and absurd situations interwoven, that the best advice one can give those who were not present last evening, is to go as soon as possible. "In Town" is, perhaps, the comedy which bears the closest resemblance to " A Trip to Chinatown," but the latter is in even lighter vein, and on first acquaintance appears to be much more up-to-date and smart, possibly because the jokes are too new to have had the cornei-s rubbed off. Mr. Harry Conor comes here with tie reputation of being one of the finest comedians in the United States, and although be has only paid two short visits to Australia, he has already established himself as a leading favourite. Expectation was therefore keen until he made his appearance, halfway through the first act, in the principal character, that of Welland Strong. This part is said to have been specialty written to suit Mr. Conor's quaint humour, and it would be impossible to conceive of a more laughable presentment 01 an elderly and very able-bodied gentleman suffering from an idea of " imminent" death than was depicted by this eccentric humourist, who makes his appearance swathed in half-a-dozen top coats, rivalling Joseph's garment for brilliancy of colour, and armed with a thermometer, which he constantly applies to the back of his neck. He has only two years to live, and endeavours to keep his other foot out of the grave as long as possible. He chooses San Francisco as the most fitting place in which to spend his declining days, and eventually is mixed up in an inextricable tangle of nocturnal adventure by insisting on accompanying the party to whom ho has attached himself, and who are only too anxious to got rid of him. Throughout .the piece Mr. Conor's acting and facial play were wonderfully effective, and each fresh sally of A-it was greoted by a bunt of laughter. Perhaps his most effective piece of by-play was during the singing of Miss Helen Merrill's song, "Because I Love Thee," when his absurdities were irresistibly mirth provoking. Mr. Wallace Brownlow, who is an old favourite with New Zealand audiences, was cast for the par 1 of Rashleigh Gay, nephew of Ben Gay, a wealthy and eccentric old bachelor. Mr. Brownlow ably supported his part, and was most successful in his songs, "The Widow," "Doreen." and "Soldiers of the Queen," the last named being exceptionally well sung, and meeting with a hearty encore. The character of" Ben Gay," already referred to, affords ample scope for comedy, and is capably looked after by Mr. Hugh J. Ward. The adventures of the gay old bachelor, caused by the alteration of a letter in the address of a note, are the occasion of endless amusement, the tangle of absurdities becoming thicker and thicker as the piece progresses, and keeping the audience continually on the " qui vive " for something new and startling. Miss Allelic Crater, as Mrs. Guyer, the charming widow, bad no easy task to perform, as she was practically before the audience from the rise till the fall of the curtain. Her performance throughout was most satisfactory, and she may well be entitled to share tie honours with Messrs. Conor and Ward. Miss Crater sang " Crisp Young Chaperone," " A Hot Time in Chinatown," and scored the principal success of the evening in her duet with Mr. Conor, "Reuben and Cynthia," in which the talented pair were recalled four times. Miss Helen Merrill was not overburdened as Isabella Dame, her acting being quiet and natural, while her singing of " Because I Love Thee," was excellent. Miss Merrill ;>]so look part in a trio with Messrs. Wallace Brownlow and Arthur Pacie, a clever Burlesque of Italian opera. Mr. Arthur Pacie both acted and sang well, as Norman lllood, and Miss Edith Hoyt, as the vivacious French maid "Flirt," was most successful. Miss Marie Adams sang "Just One Boy," and appeared as Tony Gay. The whistling solos of Mr. Tom Browne, who appeared as Noah Heap, the whistling waiter, were remarkably clever, and a sufficient number of specimens of his ability as a siflleiu- wore given to prove his exceptional versatility. His imitation of two persons whistling simultaneously different airs, was remarkably effective, and the double note whistling was something entirely new. Mr. Browne also gave realistic imitations of a buzz saw, and trombone and 'cello solos, with wonderful fidelity. The Misses McCoy and Mr. Marion performed some graceful characteristic dances and eccentricities, which were loudly applauded. The stage appointments were handsome and appropriate, and the staging, which was in the hands of Mr. Harry Conor, generally satisfactory, though the long intervals inseparable from first nights were to be noticed. An efficient orchestra contributed a number of choice selections during the intervals. "A Trip to Chinatown" will be repeated till further notice, and should command crowded houses nightly.

It is paid that Canadian horsebreoders aro wanting a Government appropriation of £5000 to assist in their exhibits of heavy horses at the Paris Exposition next year. It seems that General Otis needs 2500 horses to mount his cavalry in tlio Philippines, and they must bo collected in the United States and shipped across the ocean. It lias been stated in the despatches that an effort will be made to get these horses in the Southern States, for the reason that animals reared in tho warm clime of the south will be bettor able to stand tho heat of the

tropics. A wonderful trotting pony belonging to Mr. W. M. Criimmer has lately appeared on tho Cleveland, U.S.A., track, tliii being the 14 hands mare Temper, which covered her first mile in 2m. 10is, and her second in 2m. lis., in the course of a match. Bearing in mind the enthusiasm which tho doings of far taller animals have created in America io_ comparatively recent times, the speed of this pony appears tc be phenomenal. A firm of horse-breeders in the Western States of America have written as follows: — " The outlook for the horse-brocding industry, with the consequent demand for stallions tho coming season, was never more promising. Not in a decade have good horses commanded such prices as during the past few months. Reports from customers indicate, in general, that 'they liavo this season hatj a liberal patronage for their stallions, that service fees have been materially advanced, and in some cases the demand upon their horses was so brisk that one or two extra stallions could have been used to advantage. This state of affairs pertains particularly to the middle Western States, but is surely spreading over the entire country. The so-railed horse panic is a thing of the past. More horses are now used, according to population, than ten years ago. Moreover, a sharp demand has been created of late for horses to lie exported to Europe, one transportation company alone having taken 15,000 from Now York to London within tho past 12 months." Ladies' kid gloves, the most acceptable Christmas gift. Our four-dome Excelsior glove, at 3s 6d, is a marvel of cheapness. Stocked in all the leading shades.—D.S.C. The Onehunga Musical Society will give their last concert of the season on Thursday night next. The programme is an exceptionally good one, and, as will be seen on reference to our advertising columns, some of Auckland's best talent has been engaged to appear. New price list: Bamboo blinds, with extra good pulleys, and cords, from 2s lid to 7s 6d; ordinary quality, from 2s 3d to 5s lid: sevents, from 4ft to 12ft. Floorcloths and linoleums, from Is to 4s 6d; 500 now patterns to choose from, the most extensive and complete stock in town. Bedsteads, 20 per cent, below present market value.— It is announced elsewhere that the nominations for the £100 Pigeon Match Handicap, to be held in Potter's Paddock on December 22, close on Thursday, December 14, with Mr. D. Evitt, gunmaker, Queen-street. Christmas presents, including bags, purses, leather goods, handkerchiefs (in fancy boxes), perfumery (in fancy boxes); also, sunshades and umbrellas for presentation, vases, foliage firo-screens, etc., etc., at wholesale | prices,—D.S.O.