ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12441, 10 December 1903, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS AND MEETINGS.

THE DAMPIER COMPANY.

"THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.". Last night's audience at the Opera House witnessed a creditable production by ' the Dampier Company of Shakespere's comedy, "The Merchant of Venice." The outstanding feature was the Shyloek of Mr. Alfred Dampier, the remaining characterisations being one and all. earnestly acted, but with varying degrees of success. The balance of merit was, on the whole, on the right side. There was a good house, and frequent applause marked the progress of the comedy. Effective scenic settings were used, and the costuming was good. A tendency showed itself on the part of many of the performers to speak _ too low, in consequence of which much of the text was lost. This should be looked to, since an improvement here would make an appreciable difference to the general effect. The various situations were well stage-managed last night, - the judgment scene with its striking climax making a strong impression. Mr- Alfred Dampier as Shylock revealed real gifts, both elocutionary and histrionic. His conception was a skilful blend of the dignified and avaricious, whilst the Jew's gloating vindictiveness, followed by the ultimate blankness of ; his despair on the judgment going against him, were finely portrayed. The veteran actor has given us nothing nearly as good during the present season. Miss Lily Dampier's Portia was a fairly well conceived impersonation. She was best in the judgment scene, wherein her dramatic checkmating of Shyloek was effectively done. Mr. Edmond Hollo way gave a careful portrayal of Antonio, but could scarcely be heard at times. Mr. Augustus Neville as Gratiano played distinctly well. Mr. Alfred Rolfe- was excellently cast as Bassanio. The Lorenzo of Mr. Leon Roche was marred by a too nasal accent and a forgetfulness of his lines. As Gobbo, the clown, Mr. Alfred Dampier, jun., created a good deal of laughter. Miss Emily Lamb ton and Miss Pose Dampier as Nerissa and Jessica respectively imparted a trifle too little of colour to their roles. The elocution of both ladies was Rood. The remaining parts do not call for particular mention, most of them having satisfactory exponents. "The Merchant of Venice" will be repeated to-night. To-morrow and on Saturday night a new version of "East Lynne'' will be staged. THE BLACK FAMILY. Those versatile musical artistes, the Black Family, of Dunedin, gave a miscellaneous entertainment before a. highly appreciative audience at His Majesty's Theatre last evening. The musical fare provided consisted of high-class instrumental and vocal pieces, chosen with a view of nicely balancing the more sober with lighter elements. Thoroughly refined, the entertainment was of the drawingroom order, and, as such, wholly satisfactory. There were five performers, and each "member of the family showed a laudable desire to out-do the others in the presentation of versatile accomplishments. The prima donna, Miss Nellie Black, is a contralto of unusual sweetness and range. Her rendering last night of Molloy's " Down the Long Avenue" was a distinctly meritorious performance, eclipsed, however, by her contribution in the second part of the programme. "Oh,' Dry Those Tears" (Delriego), in which she was supported by other members of the family, with piano, organ, and 'cello obligate Born songs were given melodiously and with genuine expression. The audience was enthusiastic, and recalled Miss Nellie Black on each occasion, being rewarded with a charming rendering of "The Home Song," and a notable interpretation of Tosti's "Good-bye." Uniting with her rich vocal powers a sound acquaintance with the violin, Miss' Nellie further delighted the audience with three solos on that' most difficult of instruments. But this did not end her share royal share— j in the good things afforded, as she was associated with the male head of the family, Mr. Black, in a couple of laughable vocal j sketches, Dan Leno's " Dear Ma-in-law" j and Hunter's " Forfeits." In these excur- j sions in musical dialogue, both Mr. and Miss Black were seen and heard to the utmost advantage, unrestrained laughter from the J auditorium punctuating their pleasantries with the heartiest of plaudits at the close. Apart from his admirable work in these sketches, however, Mr. Black did not appeal to us as an exponent of the comic. Certainly his rendering of "The Duty of a Wife"" and "Jock's Courtship" fell short of his other contributions. The same remark holds good of his recitation, "MoGinty," an Irish version of "Lucky Jim," without the rich brogue of the one or the crispness of the other. Master Bert Black, who as by no moans the least talented member of this gifted family, danced himself into the good graces of the audience with his sailor's hornpipe, and maintained his position with a brilliant cornet'solo, and a novel musical act, in which he introduced some quaint instruments. Miss. Elsie Black, a young artiste, of whom we expect to hear big things later on, showed much sprightliness and girlish grace in the dance, " Spanish. Tacantelle." Her flute solo, "The Broken Melody," gained for her a recall, and she also appeared in the role of a seriocomic singer. It is not given to mortals to be equally successful in all roles, and Miss Elsie will pardon us if we suggest that a little, more abandon—something torn-boy-would be more suited to a rollicking ditty like "What Do I Care," than a demure appearance, however charming this may be at other times. For the rest, .a. mandolin quartette by the family, and selections by the orchestra—the family again-'-were well worth hearing. A new programme will bo presented this evening. CITY HALL. There was a good attendance at the City Hall last evening", when the usual programme was presented. Two new artists, Miss Phoebe Lewis and Sam Keenan, endman, are announced to appear this evening. SOLDIERS' MISSIONS IN INDIA. Mr. Danncfasrd delivered a most interesting lantern lecture at the Metropolitan Tabernacle last evening under the auspices of the Christian Endeavour Society, on missions to soldiers in India. There was a large attendance, and the lecturo was greatly appreciated. In regard to the native soldiers the lecturer regretted that the mission was not permitted to work among them unless they themselves asked for the mission. It was a condition of their enlistment .hat they should be left alone in regard to religious matters; but, still the work of «he mission has been felt among them also. iho lecturer appealed for the help and sympathy of all Christians. SALE OF WORK. ' The ladies and friends of the Parnell Methodist Church have during the past three or four months been working up a sale of work. Their efforts culminated yesterday afternoon, when a bazaar was opened in the church in the presence of a large attendance. Mr. J. Trounson made the opening speech, in the. course of which he. congratulated the workers upon getting up so good a bazaar in so short a time, and in having such a worthy object as that of increasing the circuit and trust funds of the church. The inner part of the church presented a pretty appearance, being elegantly and artistically bedecked with ribbons and flowers. The various coloured goods with which the stalls were laden helped to increase the effect, and as the articles were of a useful and artistic nature they naturally.met with a ready sale. The ladies presiding over the different stalls were:—Work stall, Misses Kittley and Worsley, and Mrs. Double; refreshment stall, Misses Flatt, Hicks, and Double; flower-stall, Misses Jen kin and Fordyce; lollie stall, Misses Miller and Goldsworthy; second-hand book stall, Miss S. Bennett. There was another large attendance in the evening, when hat-trimming and nail-driving competitions were indulged in, and an efficient orchestra played a number of excellent selections. The bazaar will be open again for patronage this evening, and one of the attractions to be provided is the drawing for the goods on a heavily-laden Christmas tree. GARRISON BAND CONCERT. Last evening at the Roskill Hall (Mount Eden district) a military concert, followed by a dance, was given in aid of the funds to enable the Auckland Garrison Brass Band to attend the bands' contest at Palmerstou North early next year. A diversified ; programme had been prepared, and gave considerable pleasure to those present. In addition to the overtures, members of the band contributed several pleasing items, including a band duet by Messrs. J. and W. Ewart, cornet solo by Mr. S. Hunter, horn solo by Mr. B. Strong, and the selection, •' Coonland," by the full band. Songs were given by Misses Hettie Maguiro, Amy Hinton, and Muriel Rathbone, and Messrs. E. McGuirk, 0. McAuliffe, and W. Skerrett, while the Messrs. Leslie were responsible for a vocal duet. A selected march trio (instrumental) was provided by Miss and Masters J. and W. Ewart, Mr. J. Hodson contributed a banjo solo, and Mr. Delno pleased the audience with an exhibition of his powers as a ventriloquist. The accom-paniments-were played by Mr. Will Pureed, and the music for the dance which followed was played by Purcell's string band.